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-236	CADRP-236

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 believe there is sufficient legislative and statutory protection for minors in place already, which appears to work quite effectively without further legislation which would potentially interfere and undermine the parent-child relationship. Furthermore, it could do damage to the young person's understanding of what nurture means exemplified by models of good parenting and unconditional love.

It could also rob parents of the opportunity for their own personal, spiritual growth and development and taking responsibility for the child they have brought into the world or for whom they have adoptive responsibilities. 

Smacking a child is not child abuse though it should not be the primary way of reinforcing appropriate behaviour and needs to be used carefully and sensitively so that the parent-child relationship is not damaged.

I believe it is beholden on the parents to preserve this bond and yet to recognise that advice from child development specialists can also be called upon to foster more acceptable behaviour from young people with challenging behaviour.

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)

No, I believe there is enough legislation in place and statutory and voluntary assistance available to parents and for young people where persistent problems may be occurring.

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)

It could do damage to the young person's understanding of what nurture means exemplified by models of good parenting and unconditional love.

It could also rob parents of the opportunity for their own personal, spiritual growth and development and taking responsibility for the child they have brought into the world or for whom they have adoptive responsibilities.

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, it does not appear to recognise them.

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)

It could also rob parents of the opportunity for their own personal, spiritual growth and development and taking responsibility for the child they have brought into the world or for whom they have adoptive responsibilities.

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)

We must preserve the sense of responsibility that parents have for their family. There would be a serious and negative impact on parents if this bill was implemented. It overlooks the rights of parents to make informed decisions, their awareness and experience of caring for their own children, the continuing engagement of their intellectual and moral value system to seek help from professionals when situations warrant that additional support to enable them to bring up their children in a safe and loving way.