In The Child's Best Interest - Understanding Parental Alienation

Learn to recognize parental alienation and its impact on children. Learn child-centered strategies that support healthy relationships.
About this Event

THIS PRESENTATION EXPLORES PARENTAL ALIENATION AS A PATTERN OF BEHAVIORS THAT CAN DISRUPT A CHILD’S RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE PARENT. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN TO IDENTIFY WARNING SIGNS, CONTRIBUTING FACTORS, AND THE EMOTIONAL, DEVELOPMENTAL, AND RELATIONAL IMPACTS ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. THE SESSION ALSO REVIEWS COURT CONSIDERATIONS, DOCUMENTATION PRACTICES, AND SYSTEM CHALLENGES, WHILE HIGHLIGHTING TRAUMA-INFORMED, CHILD-CENTERED APPROACHES. PRACTICAL STRATEGIES ARE PROVIDED TO SUPPORT HEALTHY ATTACHMENT, MAINTAIN NEUTRALITY, AND PROMOTE THE CHILD’S BEST INTERESTS IN COMPLEX FAMILY DYNAMICS.

MICHAELA GAGNE IS A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR WHO HAS SERVED AS A SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT COUNSELOR FOR OVER 15 YEARS. AS THE DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES FOR UNITED NEIGHBORS OF FALL RIVER, SHE ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING, SUICIDE PREVENTION, AND BLENDED FAMILY SUPPORT. KEVIN LAZARO IS A CERTIFIED NURTURING FATHER FACILITATOR WHO HAS A DIVERSE BACKGROUND AND PERSPECTIVE THAT ENCOMPASSES PARENTING, EDUCATION, AND EMPOWERMENT. HE ADDITIONALLY SERVES AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT SOUTHEASTERN