What is family alienation?

Family alienation refers to a situation where one family member, usually a parent, manipulates or influences a child to unjustly reject, or show fear and hostility toward another family member, such as the other parent or a grandparent.

This manipulation can involve negative comments, false allegations, and limiting or discouraging contact to the other family member.

The manipulation is usually not justified or based on legitimate reasons, and is often based on personal hostility. Family courts can involve CAFCASS (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) to investigate the reasons for the family alienation.

Court intervention can include the making of a Child Arrangements Order, or court orders to protect the childs best interests such as a Specific issue Order.