Shared Parenting is a movement of parents that truly believe that a child needs both parents to thrive. Chris has been active in the shared parenting movement since he learned about the horrible effects of parental alienation.
While there is a lot of discrepancy about the scientific validity of parental alienation, make no mistake about it, it’s very real. It’s true that parental alienation doesn’t hold a spot in the DSM for a diagnosis, however science has concluded that parental alienation is linked to multiple disorders in the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) which includes Child Psychological Abuse. (DSM V995.51). There are other disorders that can be diagnosed as well based on symptoms. But what does this even mean? It means a mental health expert needs to assess all symptoms, diagnose and treat the symptoms of alienation. No Diagnosis = No treatment plan. Only doctors can diagnose.
Family courts have been an adversarial fighting ground for many years over children. Many domestic violence lobbyists have denied Parental Alienation exists because of it’s absence in the DSM therefore labelling it as “Junk science” and a cover up for domestic abuse. Don’t be fooled. Follow the money. If parental alienation has no diagnostic criteria then it has no “scientific” merit, right? Wrong. Despite the debate over the diagnostic value of parental alienation in the DSM, parental alienation is a layperson’s word that legal and mental health experts have taken judicial notice on that it is a form of domestic violence when parents weaponize a child against a loving and available parent (the target parent.) This is never in the best interests of the child.
The discrepancy about parental alienation is which parent is abusive? How much value should be placed on the child’s wishes in cases of alleged parental alienation? Do abusive parents use parental alienation to cover up their abuse? While it is possible for an abusive parent to claim abuse, when the proper tools are utilized, studies have shown that unfounded abuse claims are linked to parental alienation.
Chris has worked independently and participated on the boards of many organizations to combat misinformation on parental alienation. Chris has sat as a representative on the PIAC (Parental Involvement Advisory Committee) for the TDSB, hosting workshops to help combat alienation in the schools. Chris has also worked with EPFC (Equal Parenting For Children) and CPAF (Canadian Child Protection From Alienation) on their boards. Chris has also worked with CAFÉ (Canadian Association for Equality), Father’s Resources International, CEPC (Canadian Equal Parenting Council) and is a membership holder for the PASG (Parental Alienation Study Group).
As a McKenzie Friend, I’m not a lawyer, nor am I a mental health expert. I don’t provide legal advice. If you need one, speak to a lawyer that knows to ask for a clinical investigation. I don’t provide medical advice, If you need one, speak to a clinical doctor. I use the information I learn as a parent and as a journalist. A McKenzie friend is simply a person who helps a self-rep or as a coach to support you. You can always cross reference information I provide with the experts of your choice.
Chris has held the courts accountable for justice. Chris works with organizations such as Canada Court Watch and NSRLP (National Self Rep Litigants Project) to help parents navigate turbulent court obstacles and obtain access to justice. As a result he’s earned the respect from many legal professionals and parents. Both mother’s and fathers experience parental alienation and children suffer the most.