This story is spreading throughout social media.....
A Judge in Michigan sent three children (ages 9, 10 and 15) to a juvenile detention facility, after finding them in contempt, for failing to maintain a "healthy relationship" with their father.
It is an outrageous ruling. But the Judge called the case one of the worst examples of parental alienation she's ever seen. Out of 46,000 cases!
Apparently, the children's parents have been in a divorce dispute since 2009. Apparently, in 2010 the mother made allegations of domestic violence against the father, but those charges were thrown out. Now, years later, the children are alleging fear of the father based on the mother's unfounded allegations.
Parental alienation is common in divorce disputes, where one parent has a motive to brainwash the children against the other parent. In this case, the Court made a specific finding that the children were brainwashed by the mother.
"This situation is traumatic for everyone involved, and it is unfortunate that the children are in shelter care due to the actions of their mother," the statement from the father's lawyer said.
I have handled many alienation cases over the years. They are extremely complicated, and are almost always characterized by years of bitter litigation. Usually, a forensic psychological exam is required by a neutral expert appointed by the Court. Sadly, even where alienation is shown, there are few remedies that can be employed to help the alienated parent or the children. The important thing is to address alienation early by court and therapuetic intervention -- to stop it in its tracks -- as soon as possible.
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