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Monday, April 27, 2009

2009 PAAD RIMBEY a sucess!

Rhonda Pisanello organized a PAAD Event for kids in Rimbey AB on Sat April 25 and although it had to move indoors, it was a great idea. We are starting to build on an idea here and I hope this momentum continues!



Here is Rhonda's account.
Just a few photos of our PAAD yesterday. Due to lousy weather we moved inside so as expected it was fairly quiet. We did get some hearts on our heart tree though - quite a few considering the size of the crowd. 
A number of people had personal experiences with PAS and were relieved that there were resources available for them to network with others and encouraged us to keep on.

Anyway it was a good day for our first here in Rimbey with a visit from our local paper's editor and the RCMP.

The Balloon fairy did a wonderful job too. She kept us entertained. The cookie decorating kept adults and kids alike occupied too.
A sincere thank you to the following local agencies for participating and contributing to making the event a success. 1. Victim Services of Rimbey 2. The Parent Link Centre 3.  Neighbourhood Place 4. FCSS
I couldn't have done this without them at all.
Bye for now, Rhonda

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Edmonton PAAD a SUCESS!

After our 11th hour reprieve, the Edmonton 2009 PAAD (Parental Alienation Awareness DAY) went off without a hitch (almost). The venue was the indoors Old Strathcona Farmers Market so we did not have to experience the wintry weather and - of course - the market did a booming business as it normally does on a Saturday.

Public "uptake" was also good - certainly more effective than last year - due to the large number of families, inquisitive visitors and a "browsing-friendly" atmosphere, sheltered from the harsh elements. Everyone reported a handful of deep, well-informed conversations. Many encouraged and were supportive of our efforts to form a local provincial organization to provide further information and network about PA and PAS issues.



We handed out many www.PAawareness.org brochures and we even sold a few workbooks for middle school children written by Dr. Amy BAKER entitled "I don't want to choose", which is a useful tool to help them deal with some of the issues faced in PA.

A huge thanks to Jerry, Cathy, Jim and Lisa (for trying to make it) - but especially to Chris T who was so generous with his time and financial support.

Keep in touch so we can get ready for next year!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Vellacott recognizes Parental Alienation Awareness Day

Hon. Maurice Vellacott MP (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin) maade the following announcement about Parental Alienation Awareness Day.

Vellacott recognizes Parental Alienation Awareness Day
April 25, 2009

OTTAWA - "Parental Alienation is a serious problem in Canada because too
many children do not benefit from the active involvement of both parents in
their lives," said Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin),
speaking in recognition of Parental Alienation Awareness Day.April 25th is
Parental Alienation Awareness Day and much more awareness needs to take place
around the impact of parental alienation today.

Canada's high levels of divorce and non-traditional family arrangements often result in situations where children are no longer able to benefit from the consistent nurture and guidance and love of one of their parents. In most cases, though not all, it is the
father who is missing from the home. Canada's family law system often makes
matters worse, which is why I have been working on a Private Member's Bill that
would require Equal Shared Parenting to be treated as the presumptive approach
for resolving custodial arrangements among divorcing parents.A new study has
been released by Prof. Edward Kruk of the University of British Columbia using
Canadian data. His research confirms conclusions that have already been
well-established from much research around the world. Kruks' report notes that
90 percent of runaways grew up in father-absent homes, as did 71% of dropouts
and a majority of those identified as depressed, suicidal, addicted and pregnant
teens. "Barring cases of abuse and neglect, the best interests of the child
include the active involvement of both parents in their nurture and upbringing,"
said Vellacott.

A very important symposium on Parental Alienation took place in Toronto in March. I commend all those involved in organizing this successful and important event.

One of the many speakers at the symposium was Dr. Terence Campbell, Ph.D., a clinical and forensic psychologist. He said that all separations must begin with the premise that joint physical custody is better than sole custody.

Many of the speakers at the conference were women, including Dr. Marty McKay, also an advocate of equal parenting. She expressed distress at the way many professionals contribute to Parental Alienation among children in broken homes. She listed the whole spectrum of professionals involved in divorce and custodial situations: judges, lawyers, assessors, psychologists, mediators, child welfare agencies and domestic violence agencies."I wish every success to those involved in raising awareness of the trauma of parental alienation," said Vellacott. "I hope my Private Member's Bill will move Canada in a direction that reduces parental alienation and advances our country's support for the best interests of our children."

- 30 -
For further comment, call (613) 992-1966 or (613) 297-2249

Monday, April 20, 2009

Child Abduction and PA

Obviously the sad case of Victoria (Tori) STAFFORD in Woodstock ON, is NOT a case of PA but Stranger Abduction. But her mother's boyfriend/step-dad has been named as a "person of interest" - but given other terrible cases recently, it could just as easily be the mother who is prime suspect. For me I question why the biological father has been sidelined by the media. It would be hard to imagine any parent not feeling helpless and out-of-control as an influence in his daughters life now. There remains disagreement about the strange women who lured Tori away somehow.

Yet, Parental Abductions are among the leading causes of Missing Child reports - according to stats collated by the RCMP1 and Missing Children's Network - Quebec. Missing Children's Network are the provincial component of a national and international network that coordinates various cases of missing children every year. Their Director General, Pina Arcamone was interviewed in this happy outcome on Good Friday (April 11, 2009) for Frank and Ashley GONIS, separated for 2 years.

Then I also saw this remarkable re-uniting story after 27 years between Dirk PRATT and his daughter, Francesca! She was told he was dead but never completely believed it. A few weeks ago, after watching the 2008 movie "Wanted" with Angelina JOLIE, Dirk copied a plot line idea and Googled his own name and came up with a shocking search message that read, "I am trying to contact Dirk Pratt. I am his daughter." After thinking it was a sick joke, he was finally able to re-establish contact with the daughter he lost 27 years before.

Footnotes:
1) While the numbers of Parental Abductions (PA) appear small, this is only because they are overwhelmed by the huge numbers or Run Away (RA) or Unknown/Throw Away (UN) cases. Such large numbers are because of multiple incidents by individuals. It had been reported in the U.S that fully 30% of these single incidents are by a small number of recurrent runaway kids. Also many of these cases are quickly resolved. Source: RCMP 2007 Missing Children Reference Report - National Missing Children Services, Appendix 1.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Resurrected - PAAD will go ahead in Edmonton!

At the last moment, I have managed to secure a venue for PAAD in Edmonton. I was told that we can have a table to display "our wares" at the Old Strathcona Farmers Market (10310-83 Ave NW, Edmonton AB) on Saturday April 25 from 9am - 3pm. (They often make such tables available to non-profit groups at no charge.)

I shall have an ample supply of PAAO brochures, as well as info table display similar to last year (DVD's playing on laptop, selected books and "reading lists", what you can do "idea's" etc).

We need 6-12 volunteers to staff the table and engage in non-threatening "discussions" with the public in teams for 1-2 hours. Please contact me (new cel# 780-729-5570) if you can give a hand - it would be gratefully appreciated.

See you there.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Alberta PA Awareness Day EVENT = CANCELLED

I am sorry to announce that due to a lack of volunteer resources and my inability to secure a suitable venue - that I must CANCEL our planned PAAD Event in Edmonton on Sat April 25, 2009. (I was rather surprised that the West Edmonton Mall turned down my request - considering how modest and how they seem to be quite keen to allow other activities like the recent "Hair Massacre" head-dye/shave for Cancer.   Being declined for Law Day at the Law Court on April 18 was less surprising but I thought rather cowardly.)  

I am sorry to have to admit defeat but perhaps others will be better able to suceed where I have not.  By all means, let me know if I can do  anything to assist.    I have made a few contacts and may be able to supply some useful info or resources. 

Regards,

Christopher JONES