Legislation & Public Policy

The Legislation Committee works to identify and examine laws and public policies that affect families experiencing estrangement, family separation, and relational breakdown. Our goal is to bring research, professional expertise, and the lived experiences of families into conversations about policy.

The committee monitors emerging legislation, identifies gaps in existing laws, consults with professionals and researchers, and develops educational resources that can help policymakers better understand the complex realities surrounding family relationships and estrangement.

Our work may address issues affecting parents, adult children, grandparents, siblings, children, and the broader family system. When appropriate, the committee may provide research, educational information, testimony, or recommendations to policymakers considering legislation that could significantly affect families.

We believe sound public policy should be informed by evidence, careful consideration of unintended consequences, respect for individual rights and safety, and an understanding that family estrangement is rarely a simple, one dimensional issue.

“Our goal is not to politicize family estrangement. It is to make sure families, research, and responsible professional perspectives are represented when policies affecting families are being considered.”