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1
HOUSE 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) 
 
 
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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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
9HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
10we declare June 14, 2024 as Grandparent Alienation Awareness 
11Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further
 
12    RESOLVED, That we urge parents to support and foster 
13positive relationships between children and extended family 
14members when possible.