Alienation is a verifiable Psychiatric condition - The new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM 5) helps our children!

This beautiful animation above was created especially for Bubbles of Love Day on behalf of Kids Aiding the PAAO (KAPAAO). 

Thank you to the very talented Bronwyn Coveney, from the United kingdom for volunteering her time and talent on behalf of children around the world. Bronwyn is the original visual creator of the PAAO and KAPAAO's,  mascot Panda Abuzz. 

Dr. Bill Bernet, lead a group of interested professionals in encouraging the DSM 5 editing group to include Parental Alienation Disorder. The new DSM % was published on May 18, 2013 and is the reference book for psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health providers  Here is Dr. Bernet's unedited analysis of the result.

Finally, DSM-5 was published today.  The DSM-5 Task Force told us 2 or 3 years ago that they did not want parental alienation to be a separate diagnosis in DSM-5, but they thought that parental alienation could be considered an example of other diagnoses that are in DSM-5.

The actual words "parental alienation" are not in DSM-5, but there are several diagnoses that can be used in these cases.  I would say the "spirit" of parental alienation is in DSM-5, even if the words are not.

Parent-child relational problem now has a discussion in DSM-5, not just a label.  The discussion explains that cognitive problems in parent-child relational problem "may include negative attributions of the other's intentions, hostility toward or scapegoating of the other, and unwarranted feelings of estrangement."  That is a pretty good description of a child's view of the alienated parent, although it is an unfortunate use of the word "estrangement."

Child psychological abuse is a new diagnosis in DSM-5.  It is defined as "nonaccidental verbal or symbolic acts by a child's parent or caregiver that result, or have reasonable potential to result, in significant psychological harm to the child."  In many instances, the behavior of the alienating parent constitutes child psychological abuse.

Child affected by parental relationship distress is another new diagnosis in DSM-5.  It should be used "when the focus of clinical attention if the negative effects of parental relationship discord (e.g., high levels of conflict, distress, or disparagement) on a child in the family, including effects on the child's mental or other physical disorders."  That is also a good description of how parental alienation comes about.

Factitious disorder imposed on another is the DSM-5 terminology for factitious disorder by proxy or Munchausen disorder by proxy.  Its definition is "falsification of physical or psychological signs or symptoms, or induction of injury or disease, in another, associated with identified deception."  In some cases, that would describe the behavior of the alienating parent.

Delusional symptoms in partner of individual with delusional disorder is the DSM-5 terminology for shared psychotic disorder or folie a deux.  The definition is: "In the context of a relationship, the delusional material from the dominant partner provides content for delusional belief by the individual who may not otherwise entirely meet criteria for delusional disorder."

In discussing this topic, I would say that the concept of parental alienation is clearly in DSM-5, although the actual words are not.  This is a great improvement over DSM-IV-TR, especially with the addition of the new diagnoses, child psychological abuse and child affected by parental relationship distress.

Dr. Bernet is currently working with PAAO to present a webinar on this subject in the next 2 - 3 weeks. We will notify you of the details shortly.

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The next mental health manual to be revised is the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems or the IDC-11. Watch for ways to have your say about Parental Alienation in time for inclusion there as well.

Webinar 2013 Newsletter 2013
Dr. Bernet's Webinar for 2013.  What's in the DSM 5 to help alienated children? Sunday June 30 at 8pm eastern time Dr. Bernet will be our introductory webinar guest for this years series of webinars. Dr. Bernet is the lead psychiatrist of the Parental Alienation Study Group ,PASG, the group who was influential in having PA behaviours considered and eventually placed into the DSM 5. To register for this webinar, click here.  Registration will ensure you are given the internet access details for the webinar. There is a $10 registration fee which can be paid online as well. Equal shared parenting To the extent that sole custody given to one parent after divorce increases the possibility of PA on a child, many of our readers have expressed support for equal shared parenting assumptions. We felt this was a story of interest to many of you. Germany has passed legislation that will grant previously locked out parents the right to joint custody in circumstances where the parents remain unmarried. For those of you who understand German, the news-broadcast can be veiwed here. In North America, a new organization has been formed to advocate for Equal Shared Parenting. LEADING WOMEN 4 SHARED PARENTING (Canada) can be found by clicking here. The International Access and Visitation Centers conference was held in Toronto last month. PAAO was there and spoke to most of the 200 or so practitioners. Of course all were familiar with alienation and it's results. Everyone was not only gratified to see PAAO at the event, they all also acknowledged that PA is either a form of Domestic violence or on the continuum of Domestic Violence behaviours. The sale of books and other materials covered the costs of the event for PAAO.	" There never was a time when a major social problem was solved by beating a child. And there never will be such a time… For centuries adults have injured children and have lied about it, and other adults have heard those lies and then merely turned away." ~ Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, 1989 PAAO WEBSITE JOIN - BECOME A MEMBER Please consider a Donation  PAAO ON FACEBOOK

Guys With Kids (Important Discussion):

Dwyane Wade’s Custody Dispute a Classic Case of Parental Alienation - Fathers & Families

Divorce Health - New Study Says "Can Seriously Impact Men's Health"

Post by Stop Mental Child Abuse.

Post by Children's Rights.

Post by Citizens for a Healthy Miami-Dade.

New Study Says Divorce Can Seriously Impact Men's Health

www.huffingtonpost.com

According to a new paper published in the Journal Of Men's Health, divorce can take a great mental and physical toll on men. 

"Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty —never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense.Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."  ~ Sir Winston Churchill

The profound urgency of Florida DCF reform

With much chest-thumping, Gov. Rick Scott last week signed a law clipping auto-tag fees by about $25 per vehicle in Florida. He used the opportunity to blast former Gov. Charlie Crist for raising those fees five years ago.

What Scott cynically failed to mention during the bill-signing charade was that all the top Republicans standing at his side had also supported the auto-tag hikes. It was the depth of the recession, and the state desperately needed revenue.

Scott is desperate to appear gubernatorial because Crist, running as a Democrat, will likely be his opponent in the November election. The auto-tag fee cut was the centerpiece of a tax-relief agenda being pushed by the governor, who trails Crist in the early polls.

Two of the GOP lawmakers who were crowing about this grand windfall for motor-vehicle owners have an infinitely more important job in the days ahead. House Speaker Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz have a chance to do something truly crucial and good.

They can shape a law that saves actual lives — the lives of endangered children.

Bills that would strengthen Florida's child welfare laws are winding through both houses of the Legislature after publication of the Miami Herald's shocking investigative series, "Innocents Lost."

The newspaper documented the deaths of at least 477 children whose parents or caregivers had a history with the state's Department of Children and Families. During the six-year period studied by reporters, DCF consistently under-reported the number of victims in its files who died because of violence or negligence by parents and caregivers.

In 2008, for example, the state said the death toll was 79. Using DCF's own records,Herald reporters found 103 fatal cases that year.

Then, in 2009, the state reported that 69 children whose families had prior contact with DCF had died. Reporters counted 107.

The uncounted die just as wretchedly — and as unnecessarily — as the counted.

One of the most awful, notorious cases involved Nubia Barahona, a 10-year-old Miami girl who'd been tortured and starved by her adoptive parents. Soaked in poisonous chemicals, her decomposing body was found inside a black garbage bag on a pest-control truck.

Three years after the murder, the DCF still hasn't sent her case to the Florida Child Abuse Death Review Committee. Incredibly, Nubia's death remains officially uncounted.

The child-welfare system has been overwhelmed and broken for a long time, but that hasn't stopped lawmakers from hacking millions in DCF funding. But this year, Florida has accumulated an extra $1.3 billion in revenues, so there's no excuse not to take action to stop the killings.

Scott has proposed $40 million to hire more DCF investigators and improve their training. That's a start, but drug-treatment and counseling programs are also needed for those who've been allowed to keep their children while under supervision.

The sad truth is there aren't enough good foster homes to let the state move all the kids now living with reckless parents in high-risk situations. In recent years, the DCF has bent over backwards to hold dysfunctional families intact, too often with lethal consequences.

In 83 cases found by the Herald, a little boy or girl died after one or more parents had signed a so-called "safety plan" pledging to take better care of the child. The Senate version of the reform bill aims to make these safety plans more than just a piece of paper. The measure would require prompt and complete reporting of certain child deaths, and offer tuition-aid incentives for social workers who want to become child-abuse investigators.

Still, the Senate bill provides only $31 million in extra funding for child protection. The House version calls for $44.5 million.

"It's tragic where Florida finds itself," Weatherford said last week.

He and Gaetz have the clout — and a moral obligation — to make other lawmakers understand the profound urgency of DCF reform. Children who are known to be in danger are dying, and the state can't even properly count how many.

With $1.3 billion in unanticipated revenue lying around, the governor and Legislature can afford to invest more than a drop in the bucket to help Florida's most helpless children.

Lowering auto-tag fees by 25 bucks might be cause for giddy back-slapping in Tallahassee, but saving even one child from a tortuous death would be a more noble accomplishment.

And one you can't put a price on.

Hiaasen writes for the Miami Herald.

Post by Stop Mental Child Abuse.

Post by Children's Rights.

Post by And Justice 4 All ~ Florida.

Post by Children's Rights.

In The Race for Governor: Anyone but Rick Scott. By Geniusofdespair

Post by Florida Women for Alimony Reform - FLWAR.

 Representative Ritch Workman of Melbourne goes into more detail about the bill.
Posted May 29, 2013.

• FILED UNDER

• Opinion

Alimony Reform Is Coming [Video]

POSTED JUNE 11, 2013 IN DIVORCE VIDEO YOUR FAMILY & THE LAW BY AMBER STATLER-MATTHEWS

Alimony Reform Is Coming [Video]
Amber Statler-Matthews reports on push for alimony reform from permanent alimony to durational alimony.

Deborah Leff Israel founded the Florida chapter of the Second Wives Club, now called the Florida Women for Alimony Reform. Deborah explains alimony changes are needed to weed out people who truly need longer term support from those who are able-bodied and can work but get away without doing so–because of the law.

Lawyers.com videojournalist Amber Statler-Matthews reports on the changes in alimony law, looming in the horizon.

Deborah reconnected on Facebook with a friend, whom she had not seen for 26 years. They fell in love and were engaged in 2010. Three years later, they are still engaged. That’s because Deborah realized if she married her fiance and he fell into financial hardship — the permanent alimony granted to his ex-wife could become her responsibility.

Deborah’s club is part of a growing, national movement to reform alimony laws. The women in the group believe permanent alimony is wrong for several reasons:

• The alimony checks continue until the payee remarries, even if the payor becomes sick or retires.
• Increasing lifespans and co-habitation mean payments get extended much longer.
• Permanent alimony ties former spouses to unhealthy relationships.
• Court ordered alimony payments rely too much on the judge’s discretion.

Family law attorney, Lori Barkus, says new legislation, which creates uniformity and gives people standards and guidelines, is needed. She feels the laws should also allow judge’s discretion, in cases that warrant it.

iStockphoto/ Thinkstock

Reformers are pushing for the following:

• Durational alimony allowing enough time for a long-term homemaker to establish a career, then payments should end.
• Alimony based on established formulas that take into account the length of the marriage, and the age of supported spouse.
• A set date for payments to end.
• Removal of judicial discretion on the payment terms.

Women are now making up larger numbers in the workforce. A recent study shows that 40% of married women out earn their husbands. Change in alimony is coming.

Tagged as: #alimony alimony #familylawreform #florida

Leading Women for Shared Parenting

Post by Leading Women For Shared Parenting.

On May 10, 2013 a group of prominent women unveiled a new organization calling for equally shared parenting as the guiding principle in family law policy and statutes. 

Leading Women for Shared Parenting debuted with an impressive list of supporters.  From writers, to researchers to legislators and numerous female attorneys, the organization is demonstrating shared parenting is supported across multiple sectors of society. 

The group's initial public effort centers on an electronic campaign to endorse a broad policy statement supporting Shared Parenting.  LW4SP anticipates thousands of women will show their support for shared parenting by electronically signing the online statement. 

Prior to its public launch, 19 women from LW4SP sent a group letter to Florida Governor Rick Scott urging him to sign the bill on his desk containing shared parenting language.

Leading Women for Shared Parenting is an organization whose supporters recognize Children Need Both Parents. ​

Leading Women for Shared Parenting was founded to dispel the widespread myth that it is only - or even mainly - disgruntled fathers with limited access to their children who promote equal shared parenting as the default model for separating parents.

That is simply not the truth.

Polls in the United States, Canada and other western countries consistently demonstrate overwhelming support in the general population for equally shared parenting. Both fair-minded men and women across all social and cultural lines understand that mothers and fathers are equally important in the lives of their children.

Here's a Leading Women for Shared Parenting hub and spoke illustration of issues stemming from a lack of Shared Parenting.

For some years a number of prominent women in media and politics have been championing this issue in the public forum of ideas and in policy-making circles. Eventually they sought a common platform from which they could bring their support for equal shared parenting to effective attention and positive legislative action.

Thus LW4SP came into being, with more than 150 influential women lending their names in support of the equal shared parenting principle.

Early and eager supporters of the concept included a number of well known women. 

Barbara Kay, an award winning Canadian journalist and columnist with the National Post signed on immediately.

Dr. Linda Nielsen, Wake Forest University social scientist, expressed support and offered a number of  positive suggestions.

Molly Olson, Founder of the Center for Parental Responsibility and a long time advocate for equality based improvements in family law came aboard. 

Phyllis Schalfly, Founder of Eagle Forum and a woman Time Magazine named as one of the 100 Most Influential Women of the 20th Century, joined enthusiastically.  

Early supporters also included: Maryland Delegate Jill Carter, Kris Titus of the Canadian Equal Parenting Council,  and Jill Egizii of the Parental Alienation Awareness Organization USA.

Others Include:

Sheila Peltzer
Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW
Erin Pizzey
Gwendolyn Landolt, Esq.
Rachel Alexander, Esq.
Dr. Janice Fiamengo
Sen. Sylvia Allen
Paulette MacDonald
Karen Selick, Esq.
Rep. Phyllis Pond
Ruth Langford

We only support organizations who show an understanding that children need both parents, and that either parent is equally capable of the choice to perpetrate hate or declare peace.

Children's Rights

Rachel Alexander - New Organization of Leading Women for Shared Parenting May Finally End Courts Favoring Mothers

http://townhall.com/columnists/rachelalexander/2

Post by Leading Women For Shared Parenting.

A new group is emerging that may finally change the way Family Courts treat mothers and fathers. Currently, the default in most states is to award the lion's share of the time with the children to mothers, and require the father to pay child support. This is unfair to fathers, and has resulted in massive abuses within the system, leading to fathers committing suicide and being imprisoned. A new organization I am a part of, Leading Women for Shared Parenting, seeks to remedy this inequality by having women and mothers speak up in favor of shared parenting. When legislators realize that women themselves are in favor of reversing this bias, they should finally change the laws to make the default a presumption of 50/50 equally shared custody.

Fathers' rights organizations have tried for years to change the status quo, but have not quite pulled it off, no doubt due to the growing stigma against men in society. They have been marginalized by being called sore losers and deadbeats who only want to lower their child support.

Continually, between 78 and 87 percent of both men and women support shared parenting – and there is no statistical difference between the sexes. Dr. William Fabricius, an Associate Professor of Psychology of at Arizona State University, discovered these results when polling residents in Pima County, Arizona. He also found that polls taken in Canada and a vote in Massachusetts revealed very similar results. But sadly, Fabricius writes, “there is a very sizable gap between current popular views strongly favoring equal custody, as reflected in polls and votes on custody allocation, and actual legal outcomes.”

The reason we don't have shared parenting is because it's a big business. Family law attorneys make too much money off the years of legal fighting, and the state bar associations help their own keep their greedy claws controlling the system by lobbying state legislatures to oppose shared parenting bills.

There is significant research showing that shared parenting is best for kids. There are over three dozen medical studies which indicate that shared parenting arrangements – joint decision-making and near-equal parenting time – provide the best outcomes for children. The studies also reveal that parenting time of every other weekend, commonly ordered by judges, is harmful to children.

Post by First Husbands Advocacy Group - Florida Alimony and Custody Laws Reform.

Fatherless Father's Day ~ #1 Social Problem in America

"Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance." ~ Ruth E. Renkel

American Fathers asked Democratic Primary Candidates

Fatherlessness is the #1 social problem of our time because it is the root cause of at least 20 other social problems.

How will you fix this??

Top upvoted questions will be delivered to the candidates

Social problems including: teen suicide, mass murder, crime, drug usage, parental suicide, teen pregnancy and even over 50% of all mental health problems in the U.S. today. The divorce industry is essentially a a criminal racket that is destroying society for its profit motives! Literally! Fatherless Homes Now Proven Beyond Doubt Harmful To Children Children from fatherless homes are*: - 15.3 times more likely to have behavioral disorders - 4.6 times more likely to commit suicide - 6.6 times more likely to become teenage mothers - 24.3 times more likely to run away - 15.3 times more likely to have behavioral disorders - 6.3 times more likely to be in a state-operated institutions - 10.8 times more likely to commit rape - 6.6 times more likely to drop out of school - 15.3 times more likely to end up in prison while a teenage - 73% of adolescent murderers come from mother only homes - 6.3 times more likely to be in state operated institutions There is a fundamental liberty right guaranteed to both parents by the 14th Amendment. This is the right to the care, custody, and nurture of their children. According to the Supreme Court of the United States: Absent a Compelling State Interest of harm or potential harm to the child, the State may not intervene in the privacy of family life. Overall, research studies show that children of joint custodians are better adjusted than children of sole custodians on each of the following measures: general adjustment; family relations; self-esteem; emotional adjustment; behavioral adjustment; and divorce-specific adjustment. Another benefit of Joint Physical Custody is that it improves child support compliance. Researchers have found a positive correlation between the frequency of a parents contact with a child and the payment of child support.