> ever heard of Parental Alienation Syndrome?
Several legislative bodies have taken notice of the recent trend in
spousal battles, i.e., allegations of abuse or neglect in order to
gain custody.  In Virginia, by way of example, the same Joint House
sub-committee that is currently investigating the adequacy of child
protective service worker training is also investigating the use of
such tactics during divorce proceedings, with particular emphasis on
the possible "suggestion" by attorneys to their clients that it may
serve as effective weapon.  (I'd be happy to post either or both
bills, if there is interest.)
Frankly, I think it rather a common practice among divorced parents,
particularly custodial parents, to so "poison" the mind of the child
against the other parent.  I have seen too much of this over the years
to think otherwise.  I also think this is, for the most part, a gender
neutral tactic, having seen it employed to an approximately equal
extent by both genders.
 > a Dr. Richard Gardner [psychiatrist] coined the term and stated
 > . . .
 > i don't recall seeing it mentioned in here or CHILD_ABUSE_ISSUES.
I don't recall having previously heard the term myself, though I did
just add a couple of articles by Dr. Gardner into the file areas.  You
may have seen them listed in either CHILD_ABUSE_ISSUES or VOCAL, the
two conferences into which I currently post weekly file announcements.
From what I gather, he and Ralph Underwager have been at the forefront
of the larger issue for a considerable amount of time, and they find
difference of opinion between them as often as they find agreement.
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