WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 66

PARENT-ALIENATION AWARENESS DY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Rachel Ventura

Illinois legislature designated a day recognizing parental alienation awareness to highlight custody disputes where one parent damages the child's relationship with the other parent.

Resolution Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 66

Legislative bill overview

SR 66 is a symbolic resolution designating a day of awareness for parental alienation in Illinois. The resolution passed through the Child Welfare committee and was adopted by the legislature on April 11, 2025, without recorded opposition. It establishes recognition rather than creating new law or funding mechanisms.

Why is this important

Parental alienation—when one parent damages a child's relationship with the other parent—affects custody disputes and child welfare outcomes. Awareness designations can influence how family courts, social workers, and the public understand this dynamic, potentially affecting custody decisions and intervention strategies in high-conflict divorces.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional ambiguity: "Parental alienation" lacks a precise legal definition and is contested in psychology; some experts question whether it constitutes a distinct phenomenon versus normal post-divorce adjustment or legitimate protective behaviors by custodial parents
  • Custody dispute weaponization: Critics worry awareness campaigns may be used strategically in family court to discredit protective parents or undermine allegations of abuse, particularly in domestic violence contexts
  • Scientific debate: Major psychology organizations (APA, AMA) have not formally recognized "parental alienation syndrome" as a diagnostic condition, raising questions about legitimizing contested concepts through state recognition

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.