CULLMAN – Recently, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs officially proclaimed the week of April 23-29, 2017 "Parental Alienation Prevention Week” and April 25, 2017, "Bubbles for Love Day" in the city of Cullman.
The proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, strong family relationships constitute the foundation of our community; however, alienating behaviors are frequently seen in divorces, separations, asymmetrical custody arrangements (approximately 40,000 children in Alabama are subjected to child custody determinations each year), and even in intact marriages; and,
WHEREAS, Parental Alienation is a form of abuse that causes emotional trauma to children, and can include a number of behaviors and attitudes of one parent, both parents, or third-parties designed to interfere, damage, or destroy the relationship a child has with the other parent; and,
WHEREAS, the recently published Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) refers to the dysfunctional family dynamic of Parental Alienation as a form of psychological child abuse; it deprives children of their right to freely love and be loved by both parents and their extended families, and robs children of their sense of security; and,
WHEREAS, Parental Alienation Prevention Week is intended to increase knowledge and understanding of this problem and to help citizens, members of the legal and mental health communities, and others better identify and combat this abusive behavior to children; and,
WHEREAS, as God so loved us, we also ought to love one another; love does no harm to its neighbor; therefore, children should be able to freely express the meaning of FAMILY: Father And Mother, I Love You; and,
WHEREAS, we encourage our citizens to show their support of Parental Alienation Prevention Week by blowing soap “Bubbles for Love” at noon on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, with each bubble representing the love our children have and should be allowed to share with both of their parents.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Woody Jacobs, as Mayor of the City of Cullman, do hereby proclaim:
April 23-29, 2017 to be PARENTAL ALIENATION PREVENTION WEEK
and
April 25, 2017 to be “BUBBLES FOR LOVE" Day
in the City of Cullman, and urge all citizens to learn more about Parental Alienation and to support groups who seek to prevent this type of abuse against our children.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Cullman to be affixed on this, the 11th day of April, 2017.
Woody Jacobs, Mayor
