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-652

CADRP-652

 

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?

— No

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 do not agree with the physical abuse of children. It is our role as parents, governments and society to protect children. However, I do not believe that loving and controlled physical discipline is the abuse of children. Loving and controlled physical discipline is not done out of anger or frustration and when performed should be accompanied by explanation and forgiveness. As a parent, I am firstly responsible for training and raising my children in a loving and nurturing home.  As a parent and a christian I believe there may be times, during different stages of my children's development, where physical punishment may be important. That when used appropriately will have a positive impact in a child’s development. The lack of this discipline may result in long term negative effects.

I understand the purpose of this bill is to protect children and to remove the excuse of parents physical abusing children under the guise or reason of 'discipline'. In passing the bill it removes the right for a parent to choose physical discipline as a form of discipline. It gives power to incriminate parents who in a loving and controlled manner are physically disciplining their children. It gives power for the opportunity of children themselves or even adults to incriminate parents who are physically disciplining their children.

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)

Yes

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)

Information that was published in 'Children's Wales Bill - frequently asked questions'  regarding the criminalisation of parents it states 'In all cases the police and/or CPS will apply two tests – is there evidence to charge and is it in the public interest to do so. They will also consider what is in the best interests of the child.' I would like to ask what does 'is it in the public interest' mean? How will this be interpreted in implementing the bill?

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)

If the bill is passed and criminal proceedings are brought against parents, who are using a physical method of discipline, this could have a wider impact on the lives of the parents. There could be negative long-lasting consequences for the parents in, but not limited to, the areas of employment, adoption and migration.

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)

-

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)

-