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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Strong family relationships constitute the
3foundation of our communities; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Alienation behaviors are frequently present in
5high-conflict divorces, separations, and asymmetrical custody
6arrangements, as well as in intact marriages, often causing
7mental and emotional anguish to children; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Alienation is a term used to describe any number
9of behaviors and attitudes on the part of one or both parents
10designed to interfere, damage, or destroy the relationship
11between a child and another family member; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Alienation takes advantage of the innocent and
13impressionable, as well as the suggestibility and dependency
14of a child, depriving children of their right to love and be
15loved by their extended family; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Mental health professionals agree that the
17negative effects of alienation can follow a child into
18adulthood with tragic consequences; and
 
19    WHEREAS, The recently published fifth edition of the
20Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

 

 

SR0898- 2 -LRB103 40162 LAW 71917 r

1made several references to the dysfunctional family dynamic of
2alienation as a form of psychological child abuse; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Grandparent Alienation Awareness Day is intended
4to increase the knowledge and understanding of this problem to
5help families, institutions, the legal and mental health
6communities, and leaders to better identify and combat such
7conduct to children; therefore, be it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
9ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare June 14,
102024 as Grandparent Alienation Awareness Day in the State of
11Illinois; and be it further
 
12    RESOLVED, That we encourage parents to support and foster
13positive relationships between children and extended family
14members when possible.