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-278

CADRP-278

 

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 feel as if this proposed Bill will criminalise parents who are looking to discipline their children, not out of hate but out of love.  Say if an unruly child could not be reasoned with, verbal reasoning has fallen on deaf ears, or the naughty step simply fails to correct the child's behaviour, then surely a gentle smack would instil in the child's mind that they can only go so far.  The worst case scenario I can think of is if a single parent is prosecuted through this Bill, and is therefore dismissed and unable to work for a number of years, (possibly indefinitely should their occupation involve working with children/vulnerable adults), then the impact of a drastically reduced income would then surely have a detrimental effect on being able to run a home; indirectly punishing their child and hindering their child's welfare.

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)

The current law already protect's children and makes it easier to distinguish between what is reasonable chastisement, and that which is child abuse.

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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

For one this Bill is likely to result in a rapid rise in prosecutions.  I'm picturing the police being inundated with trivial allegations.  The strain on the courts would be enormous.  With this in mind I can see the government issuing guidelines as to what parents can and cannot do.  With this kind of intrusion into family life, I shudder to think where the government will intrude next.

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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