Consultation on the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

Tystiolaeth i’r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg ar gyfer craffu Cyfnod 1 Bil Plant (Diddymu Amddiffyniad Cosb Resymol) (Cymru)

Evidence submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for Stage 1 scrutiny of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

CADRP-472

CADRP-472

 

About you

Individual

1      The Bill’s general principles

1.1     Do you support the principles of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill?

— Partly

1.2     Please outline your reasons for your answer to question 1.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

I’m concerned mild chastisement will be grouped with ‘full on’ aggressive child abuse, allowing real, damaging abusers to escape amongst potentially hundreds of reports.

Do you think there really is support amongst the public when polls suggest otherwise? Is there unequivocal evidence that children will be better off?  A well intended desire to protect children is admirable, however the future effects of changing the law in Wales are unknown. It may have far reaching consequences and not lead to improved well being for children, with families divided, parents unnecessarily criminalised and children not experiencing improved well being. (See Sweden post 1979 following the law change.)

1.3     Do you think there is a need for legislation to deliver what this Bill is trying to achieve?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

There doesn’t seem to be support from parents and society for this. It may have unintended consequences leading to families and therefore children suffering.

2      The Bill’s implementation

2.1     Do you have any comments about any potential barriers to  implementing the Bill? If no, go to question 3.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

There isn’t widespread support.

Caring parents will be criminalised.

Police and social workers may be overwhelmed, meaning the serious abusers will not be caught.

2.2     Do you think the Bill takes account of these potential barriers?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

No.

3      Unintended consequences

3.1     Do you think there are there any unintended consequences arising from the Bill? If no, go to question 4.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Child protection services will not have the time and resources to prioritise the really significant abusers. The state may be over reaching its arm where parental rights and responsibilities are over ruled.

4      Financial implications

4.1     Do you have any comments on the financial implications of the Bill (as set out in Part 2 of the Explanatory Memorandum)? If no, go to question 5.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

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5      Other considerations

5.1     Do you have any other points you wish to raise about this Bill?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

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