Bill > H4017

This bill addresses parental alienation by establishing comprehensive legal and support mechanisms to recognize, prevent, and mitigate the psychological harm caused when one parent intentionally undermines a child's relationship with the other parent. The bill defines parental alienation as a process of psychological manipulation that causes a child to unreasonably reject a previously loving parent, and it mandates that courts and child welfare agencies treat such behavior as a form of psychological child abuse. The legislation requires the Department of Children and Families to develop educational programs for parents in custody disputes, create specialized support services for affected families, and conduct research on parental alienation. Critically, the bill empowers courts to take specific actions when alienating behaviors are identified, including ordering counseling, family therapy, modifying custody arrangements, implementing supervised parenting time, and establishing expedited legal procedures for addressing such cases. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to explicitly recognize interference with parent-child relationships as a factor in custody and legal proceedings, giving judges more tools to protect children's emotional well-being and preserve meaningful relationships with both parents. The comprehensive approach aims to protect children from the potential long-term psychological damage caused by parental alienation and promote healthy co-parenting dynamics.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4017