Not Good News about PAS in CA

[Bryan Lee McGlothin]

Assemblyman Jim Beall, D-San Jose, has introduced a bill that would ban the use of “non-scientific theories” in court cases. This bill would prevent the use of a theory called “parental alienation syndrome,” or PAS. This is the idea that one parent seeks to alienate a child against the other parent, leading them to level untrue accusations of abuse or neglect.

http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xrgr4skgsb1z4n&issueId=xrgncrs6ymxqs4&xid=xrgqgaw7i5lx37

[BKStrelioff]

In general, there is a big difference between "hard" science (chemistry, mechanics, physics, ...) and "soft" soft science (social, psychological, ...). That is one of the reasons for the switch in smoe (most?) jurisdictions from Feye to Daubert standard. Similarly, there is a "credibility/reliability" ladder between say social workers and certified child psychologists/psychiatrists.

Personally, I don't think the anti-PAS movement has made any progress in custody courts, as most courts are required to take into consideration "the ability and willingness of a parent to foster a healthy relationship between the children and the other parent", which encompasses PA. Note also that PA is much less controversial than PAS.

[Mark Edward]

Is "psych eval" and "psychosexual eval" considered to be "scientific"? How can it be, when it is one person's subjective opinion, and that person is often PAID by the opponent (CPS) in a court case... So this sort of legislation cuts both ways. And what about social workers and GALs "theories" about abuse and neglect and "traumatic impact upon the child" and domestic violence and "failure to protect", etc.? They aren't scientific "theories" either.

[BKStrelioff]

Rather than have it die in committee, I wonder if we should push for the opposite: legislation that recognizes PA, and encourages Judges to actively consider and address it. I remember reading about at least one state that specifically required GALs etc to have training in PA, and the underlying conduct and harm.

[Bryan Lee McGlothin]

Thanks everyone and I do think we need to contact these reps. Not with angry voices, but with voices of experience and professional studies by the PhDs.

Best,
Bryan
www.PreventParentalKidnap.org

[Mark Godbey]

In all three attempts before the bill died in committee, thanks to some good political maneuvering by our friend in Sacramento. Those of you who know him can write him a note about this again..

[Mark Godbey]

This is the 3rd time in as many years that the radical, hate-men feminists have tried this... They have lost all three times..

Actually, the PAS has past the rigorous Frye Test in Federal Court so it is recognized as valid in 2 federal districts. To have it pass the test in the 9th District, would be for the legislature to attempt to pass such a law, and have it challenged in Federal Court. I have seen sister jurisdiction almost always uphold the findings of other Federal Courts..

Perhaps the CA Legislator is unaware of these finding. More than likely he is under the sway of some radical feminist in CA who have convinced him that all men are bad, DV perpetrators and that the PAS theory is used exclusively by batterers..... etc. You know the drill, the mantra of the Left Leaning loons...

If you go to Children Need Both Parents, and search on PA and legislation you will see all of the court cases in PAS and PA have been upheld as valid...

[BKStrelioff]

I sent an email to the Assemblyman, including a link to Dr. Amy Baker's book, as well as the link to http://www.paawarenessday.org/ . I still have not find a copy of the actual bill, but if someone does find it please post a link.

[BKStrelioff]

This is something to get involved in. Here is the link for the Assemblyman's homepage: http://capwiz.com/ucsf/webreturn/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fdemocrats.assembly.ca.gov%2Fmembers%2Fa24%2F

He is holding an open house where CNBP members may want to attend and address the reality and harm of PA:

Assemblymember Beall will hold his annual District Office Open House on Thursday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., at 100 Paseo De San Antonio, Suite 300 of the Alfred E. Alquist Building in downtown San Jose.

Assemblymember Beall will be available to discuss community and state issues. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call [phone] or visit www.assembly.ca.gov./a24.