The Use of Children Post Separation: How to Recognize Maltreatment:

Children can survive the stress and emotional pain of a parent’s divorce or separation with the support of a trusted adult.  Unfortunately for many children, not only is that support absent, but the children are exposed to hurtful and malicious behavior from one parent to the other, are pitted against one parent, are used as collateral, custody and visitation orders are disregarded leaving the children feeling confused and unwanted.  To the outside world this looks like “Custody Drama”, to the child it is devastating.  How can law enforcement, child welfare and the court system recognize these harmful tactics and intervene to reduce the emotional harm for the children and possibly prevent a family abduction case?  When parents do not act in the best interest of the children, what can professionals do to step in and step up for the children?