SR0898 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0898 LRB103 40162 LAW 71917 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Strong family relationships constitute the foundation of our communities; and

WHEREAS, Alienation behaviors are frequently present in high-conflict divorces, separations, and asymmetrical custody arrangements, as well as in intact marriages, often causing mental and emotional anguish to children; and

WHEREAS, Alienation is a term used to describe any number of behaviors and attitudes on the part of one or both parents designed to interfere, damage, or destroy the relationship between a child and another family member; and

WHEREAS, Alienation takes advantage of the innocent and impressionable, as well as the suggestibility and dependency of a child, depriving children of their right to love and be loved by their extended family; and

WHEREAS, Mental health professionals agree that the negative effects of alienation can follow a child into adulthood with tragic consequences; and

WHEREAS, The recently published fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) made several references to the dysfunctional family dynamic of alienation as a form of psychological child abuse; and

WHEREAS, Grandparent Alienation Awareness Day is intended to increase the knowledge and understanding of this problem to help families, institutions, the legal and mental health communities, and leaders to better identify and combat such conduct to children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare June 14, 2024 as Grandparent Alienation Awareness Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage parents to support and foster positive relationships between children and extended family members when possible.