An investigation by the Observer has led to calls for an inquiry into the use of psychological experts in the family courts.
In a letter sent to the justice secretary, the victims' commissioner for London, and a group of MPs wrote, "We believe there is ample evidence that children and survivors of domestic abuse are being put at risk by the evidence provided by unregulated experts."
The Association of Clinical Psychologists warned that experts who are not regulated have suggested inappropriate diagnoses and made recommendations for children to be removed from their mothers.
In cases where a child has rejected one parent for no reason other than they have been manipulated by the other parent, the instruction of unregulated experts can be problematic. The child can be removed from the parent immediately after the discovery of alienation.
The shadow minister for victims and youth justice, Anna McMorrin, was one of the five MPs who signed the letter. The Labour and Conservative MPs signed the document.
They are concerned that allegations of parental alienation are being used to counter claims of domestic abuse and that children's genuine fears of abuse can be subvert by experts. Judges are making child contact and residence arrangements based on unsound advice.
An urgent inquiry into the use of parental experts in the family court is called for by the letter.
The justice secretary has received two separate letters from the peer.
Halfon, who is chair of the education committee, told the Observer: "As the MP for Harlow, I have seen some thoroughly tragic cases of domestic abuse but it always seems to me that the family court is weighted against the victim." The victim has to overcome a lot of hurdles in order to get access to their parents. Anything that can be done to make the court system more fair is welcome.
The calls have the support of 85 academics, lawyers, charity leaders and health workers. There are dangers to the public if they hire an unregulated expert witness.
Natalie Page from the Survivor Family Network is one of the people who signed the letter.
The crisis can only be solved by an inquiry into the use of psychological experts in the family court. The stakes are high for victims of abuse.
All psychologists in the UK who provide evidence in family proceedings should be regulated by the Health and Care Professionals Council or the British Psychological Society, according to joint guidelines by the Family Justice Council and the British Psychological Society. Judges are allowed to appoint unregulated experts at their discretion.
The justice system would thoroughly investigate any reports of false evidence and courts have recently issued guidance on what type of expert evidence should be authorized, according to the ministry of justice.
The president of the Family Division published a memo on court-appointed experts in October of 2021.
The welfare of the child is of paramount importance to the judiciary.
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