AFCC-NY, New York City Bar Association & the Appellate Division, Second Department Present:
The Spectrum of Parental Alienation and Estrangement: Challenges for Mental Health Professionals, Attorneys and the Court
From the mental health perspective
Understanding alienation and estrangement – specifically, its long term effects on the child. • Identifying primary parental alienating strategies and manifestations of alienation on the part of the child • Reviewing the clinical aspects of alienation and estrangement; strategies for treating the child, the rejected parent and the aligned parent
From the legal perspective
Providing guidance for the Attorney for the Child and dealing with the impact of allegations of parental alienation on the position of the Attorney for the Child. • Discussing the critical strategies involved in representing the rejected parent and the aligned parent; when and what motions should be filed; and what relief should be sought. • Summarizing the relevant case law and ethical obligations.
From the judicial perspective
Approaching the Court and seeking relief, including what remedies are available and when (and how) the Court should intervene. • Recognizing the need to protect the record and the Court’s orders by ensuring the child has appropriate representation
Guest Speakers
Amy J.L. Baker, Ph.D.
A nationally recognized author, researcher and expert in parent-child relationships and parental estrangement/alienation issues; she is the co-author of Surviving Parental Alienation: A Journey of Hope and Healing.
Bernice H. Schaul, Ph.D.
A clinical psychologist, author and lecturer with over 30 years experience performing court-appointed neutral child custody evaluations; she also works as a parent coordinator and consults with divorcing parents.
Jane Schreiber, Esq.
The Director of the Office of Attorneys for Children, Appellate Division, First Department.
Harriet R. Weinberger, Esq.
The Director of the Office of Attorneys for Children, Appellate Division, Second Department.
Susan L. Bender, Esq. (Bender Rosenthal Isaacs & Richter LLP)
An attorney with over 30 years experience representing children and parents (both rejected parents and alienating/interfering parents).
Honorable Jacqueline W. Silbermann (retired)
Statewide Administrative Judge for Matrimonial Matters and Former Justice of a Matrimonial Part in New York County. Currently, Counsel, Blank Rome LLC.