Oslo, Norway – September 4-6, 2024
The 6th international conference of the Parental Alienation Study Group (PASG), held in Oslo at the iconic Deichman Library, brought together leading experts, legal professionals, and advocates from across the globe to address Parental Alienation (PA). With over 40 lectures and panels, the conference fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, offering innovative solutions to one of the most pressing challenges in family law, while also featuring powerful contributions from individuals personally impacted by alienating behaviors, adding a deeply human perspective to the discussions.
Opening Session
Eivind Meland and Lena Hellblom Sjögren framed the conference by emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect children’s rights and mitigate the impacts of PA. Their address underscored the family’s foundational role in democracy and children’s well-being.
Key Themes and Speakers
Legal Frameworks and Judicial Challenges
- Davíð Þór Björgvinsson (Iceland) and Geir Kjell Andersland (Norway) analyzed European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) precedents on PA, emphasizing the importance of Article 8 in safeguarding family relationships.
- Camilla Bernt (Norway) and Philip Marcus (Israel) identified systemic gaps in family courts and advocated for reforms prioritizing child welfare.
- Marie-France Carlier (Belgium) and Brian Ludmer (Canada) engaged in a comparative dialogue on family reunification, exploring Belgium’s structured and collaborative court-driven model versus North America’s fragmented system of interventions. They highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and judicial oversight to restore parent-child bonds effectively.
- Ashish Joshi (USA) highlighted the role of expert testimony and evidence in ensuring fairness in U.S. family courts.
- Sandra Ines Feitor (Portugal) explored international legal frameworks, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing cross-border custody laws.
Psychological Insights and Solutions
- William Bernet (USA) urged for constructive dialogue with PA critics, advocating for evidence-based strategies to address the phenomenon.
- Marie-France Hirigoyen (France) delved into the psychological tactics of alienation and proposed therapeutic interventions for rebuilding trust.
- Ben Hine (UK) presented his research on gender biases in PA cases, highlighting the societal costs of alienation.
- Jorge Guerra Gonzalez (Germany) examined the neurobiological impacts of PA, illustrating its long-term effects on children’s brain development.
- Edward Kruk (Canada) emphasized shared parenting as a preventive measure against PA, supported by research on its benefits for children’s mental health.
- Robert Simon (USA) has raised critical opinions concerning PA theory. He presented advice to the PA community to bridge contradictions in the field.
Practical Strategies and Grassroots Advocacy
- Ginger Gentile (USA) shared her REVIVE method for reunification, focusing on empowering alienated parents with actionable tools.
- Jesper Lohse (Denmark) highlighted Denmark’s legislative successes, including shared parenting reforms.
- Virginia Griffin (USA) discussed the importance of unified terminology and evidence-based practices in diagnosing and addressing PA.
- Anthony Gauchi (Malta) presented community-driven solutions to educate and support families dealing with PA.
- Representatives from Nordic self-help groups showcased grassroots initiatives, emphasizing the power of peer support and advocacy in addressing PA.
Bridging Socio-Political and Family Dynamics in Addressing PA
- Stan Korosi (Australia) and Teresa Silva (Sweden) examined parental alienation (PA) through socio-political and psychological lenses. Korosi highlighted its roots in socio-political dynamics and the need for policy reforms, while Silva focused on the complexity of family systems and tailored therapeutic approaches. Together, they emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration to better support affected families and children.
Key Outcomes and Recommendations
- Early Intervention and Judicial Training: Enhance judicial awareness and adopt evidence-based approaches to identify and address PA effectively.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Counter misinformation about PA through targeted media and community education initiatives.
- Policy Reforms: Advocate for consistent legal frameworks that prioritize shared parenting and protect children’s rights.
- Collaborative Practices: Foster interdisciplinary solutions that integrate psychological, legal, and social work expertise.
Closing Remarks and Future Directions
The conference concluded with a panel discussion moderated by William Bernet and Lena Hellblom Sjögren, summarizing actionable strategies for combating PA. Speakers called for systemic accountability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and collective action to ensure the best interests of children.
PASG Oslo 2024 showcased the transformative power of global dialogue, providing a roadmap for addressing Parental Alienation through research, education, and advocacy.
The Conference video recordings are available at the conference webpage.