By Dr. Christian A. Nanry

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS), now more commonly known as Parental Alienation, is an often misunderstood and overlooked subject for parents and nonparents. PAS originated as “a term coined in the 1980s by child psychiatrist Dr. Richard A. Gardner, occurs when one parent attempts to turn the couple’s children against the other parent.”

Later, in its evolution, the word syndrome was removed by the medical community and is no longer a part of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). The American Psychological Association or the World Health Organization has not recognized Parental Alienation.

Many journalists and scientists have vehemently criticized it as a reputable form of treatment or its admissibility in court proceedings.

Parental Alienation can also be designed to enter the court system for custodial posturing.

Dr. Gardner graduated from Columbia University and the SUNY Downstate University Medical Center. He was a psychologist known for his work with children and child custody cases.

Despite numerous publications, the scientific community challenged Dr. Gardner’s assumptions and findings. Doctors and researchers have worked independently of his originating work to validate Parent Alienation’s existence. Authors for the American Bar Association have published works on Parental Alienation and its impact on the legal system.

The published literature takes the position that Parental Alienation is not a recent phenomenon but one that manifests historically. Indoctrination is amongst the terminology being used in place of Parental Alienation.

(Learn more. How can one parent turn a child against the other parent? Amy Baker, Ph.D, a researcher and author, explains parental alienation. Courtesy of CBS Evening News and YouTube. Posted on Mar 23, 2019.)

Depending on the jurisdiction will determine the depth of Parental Alienation in the family court system.

Traditionally, in Parental Alienation situations, court proceedings and rearing can alienate one parent unintentionally. This situation is presented linearly, binding one parent in court motions and petitions.

The courts often follow pre-existing procedures utilizing court experts in child protection services and attorney’s ad litem. Certain external programs that use the concept of Parental Alienation for treatment can be directed or recommended by the court. To this end, some parents can feel powerless by this rudimentary process.

Parents caught in a Parental Alienation relationship need to be aware of preventative, in-action, and educational measures. No one wants to talk about these situations, and we all hope life does not lead us down these paths. But it does happen.

Awareness of what Parental Alienation is, and what it can invite, is both responsible and appropriate.

Here are some measures that can be taken if Parental Alienation occurs.

• If you have the unenviable position of being engaged in a custody battle and think you are experiencing alienation, remain calm and grounded.

• Hire a quality attorney as soon as possible.

• Conduct a background check on the attorney to avoid unwanted relationships with anyone involved in your proceedings.

• Ensure you spend and continue to spend time with your child.

• Avoid making overt statements concerning the family relationship or dynamics. Maintain neutrality. Seek approved therapeutic interventions.

• Document everything. Keep a journal or a log of occurrences, meetings, and court activity.

• If the court asks about specific individuals representing a child in the proceedings, endeavor to evaluate the selection for any biases.

• A private investigator with a valued resume and reputation is invaluable.

• Educate yourself on the local laws and procedures of the court system.

• Do not hesitate to ask for transcripts and other court documents to assist you in future litigation.

• If civil rights violations are occurring, consult with your attorney.

• You may need to contact the next higher-level court in the legal system.

• Be organized and calm. Become informed of all the processes you may face and ask for clarification.

• Presentation is also important.

Continue reading… PWPORG Edition 10, on Page 10

Republished with Permission by Preparedness Without Paranoia® and Parents With Preparedness Magazine

About the Author

Dr. Christian A. Nanry has been a law enforcement professional and military veteran since 1996. He has exercised concurrent legal jurisdictions in multiple states, military installations, and federal statutes.

Dr. Nanry began his career in the United States Army with the Military Police Corps. He worked as a Special Reaction Team member, a Military Working Dog handler in the Republic of South Korea, and several stateside assignments.

Dr. Nanry was the 1998 Military District of Washington Soldier of the Year, a distinguished 2000 Primary Leadership Development Course graduate, and the overall winner of the 2000 ROK Military Working Dog Handlers Competition in Narcotics Detection.

Dr. Nanry joined the United States Marshals Service in late 2001 and was assigned to four locations across the United States. He has successfully conducted fugitive apprehensions, threat and breach investigations, international extraditions, and protected federal judiciary members. His protective experiences include the United States General Assembly, the Deputy Attorney General, and several Supreme Court Justices initiated from the Draft Leak.

He was the lead agent for events such as Operation Rolling Thunder in Albany, NY, and multiple high-threat trials in New York City. Dr. Nanry completed numerous sensitive special assignments across the United States and overseas. Former Attorney Generals and United States Marshals Service Directors have officially recognized his accomplishments.

Dr. Nanry served as a member of multiple committees and working groups in the United States Marshals Service, responsible for creating policies, procedures, and alternatives for regulatory and operational necessity. These committees and groups comprised Information Technology, Biometrics, and the Financial Management Working Group. Dr. Nanry was also selected as a peer reviewer for specific national initiatives.

He has been a guest instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, GA, and as a member of a divisional training cadre. Dr. Nanry is a Special Agent with the Army Criminal Investigation Division investigating financial crimes in Major Procurement Fraud. Dr. Nanry has also been a guest speaker at the 2022 Texas Cyber Summit in Austin, TX, and presented research at the 2021 American Health Professionals Associations Conference and Expo in Denver, Co.

His research and publications consist of education and law enforcement performance, human trafficking, sextortion, and crimes against children. Dr. Nanry has a bachelor’s of history from Empire State College, a master’s in human resources, training, and development from Seton Hall, and a doctorate of philosophy in adult education from Texas State University. 

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Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

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Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting and Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools and Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

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