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-311

CADRP-311

 

About you

Organisation: TGPCymru

1      The Bill’s general principles

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

— Yes

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 have long been involved in the campaign to ensure that children receive the same protection from any kind of physical abuse as is afforded to adults.

 

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)

There will obviously be those who feel that this is the state taking on the role of parents and that a light tap is acceptable. Parents who need to smack their children are not in control and it is a short step from smacking to much harder punishment. This is not about stopping smacking but recognising some parents need support and help and that all children should be protected from harm. Parents are outraged if someone else smacks their child but can see no wrong in smacking the child as a parent. There needs to be clear guidance on exactly what differencevthe change in legislation will make with a clear message that it is not there to criminalise parents.

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)

Yes

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)

There could be a slight rise in child protection referrals from well meaning individuals but the Police already have guidelines on when a child is subjected to unreasonable harm. We

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)

No

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)

This bill has been a long time coming and there seem to have been endless consultations

Let’s fulfil our commitment to protect children and their rights to a safe home environment