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I apologise if this is posted in the incorrect place, maybe a mod could move it if it is :unsure:
One thing that has struck me during my nearly 3 years of [censored] since seeing my eldest, nearly 2 years since seeing my younger two and nearly 2 years in court is that there is very little help available in this country to try and 'fix' PA after it has been found in court.
I was asked by the Judge to write a statement giving him an indication of what I see as a solution on how to fix the problem of my children not wanting to see me and what I would suggest that he does about it.
Apart from therapy there is very little available in this country at all. Even the Cafcass Wales report from 2017 includes solutions from America and Australia with no reference to schemes here in the UK.
It is the sad truth that the authorities are far behind when it comes to PA and what should be done to rectify it.
I have spent the past couple of months contacting leading Therapists in Australia and America regarding the Building Bridges Programme they have.
I have contacted Dr Richard Warshak about the complete lack of help here in the UK and he has agreed to look at it and possibly get the ball rolling if he can get 8-12 professionals to do the Family Bridges Workshop.
This may only be a small step and it is certainly going to be too late for people like myself, but, if it does happen here in the UK it would be a huge help to those that are going through what most of us would agree is the most traumatising time in our lives.
not sure about other areas, but seems like cafcass in London seem to take PA seriously. getting your child to pass on messages to the other parent is seen as something very bad. only real solution i think is for one parent to stop alienating. maybe get social services on their case.
Hi there
I can only agree with what you say... there have been slow changes, but like everything in the Family Court change is at a snails pace.
I’m guessing you’ve read the Woodall’s blog, Karen runs workshops and appears in court as an expert witness, but there’s a financial cost, which not everyone can afford. That’s the theme that runs like a thread through our court system... a two tier system, where money tends to talk more loudly.
I applaud your efforts to bring about change for alienated parents in the UK and I sincerely hope that the required number of professionals are interested enough to get involved.
All the best
Thank you Mojo.
I am fully aware of the financial costs involved. In my own case I haven't worked for the last 6 months due to the heart attacks and I'm afraid the pot is almost bare.
I have a 3 day final hearing which I hope will sort everything out because I can't afford to continue any longer.
I've read Karen's blogs and looked at her workshops but at £6000 it is something I can't afford at this stage.
As I said before, any change would come too late for my case unfortunately but hopefully it can help those who find themselves in similar positions in the future.
We can't enact change if we don't try as it's easier to complain and feel sorry for yourself than decide to do something to make things better.
... 6K really! I knew it was a lot, but that’s just out of the ballpark for most... element of cashing in here perhaps. Grrr...
You’re last sentence resonates loudly with me, I first came here seeking advice and support, I got it and from that point on have always tried to put my developing knowledge to good use, its my way of giving back in some small way.
I applause your attitude Dad-66 and sincerely hope that you make good progress at the final hearing. If there’s anything you need help with, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Best of luck
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