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-346

CADRP-346

 

About you

Name: Joan van Niekerk

Role: Consultant

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)

- there are more effective ways to discipline and guide children

- research does not support corporal punishment as the most effective response to a child's behaviour

- we do not allow for corporal punishment/hitting of adults - children are more vulnerable and require the protection of the law

- most incidents of serious assault on children begin with an acceptance of corporal punishment

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 - it brings home the fact that CP should not be sanctioned in any way, it can open the door to bringing parents into debates and training on how else - and more effectively - to provide guidance to children.

It underlines the seriousness of hitting children. it need not necessarily bring parents into the criminal courts if other remedies are applied subject to withdrawal of charges.

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)

What barriers? I think that all of the so -called barriers can be dealt with creatively in ways that help parents become more aware of their parenting responsibilities. one needs to provide training to those who work in child protection on parent support and training provision and ensure that alternatives to criminal hearings in courts are considered as a first call

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)

-

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)

yes - a backlash from those opposed to abolition.

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)

increased services - if necessary - would contribute to the well being of children - and save costs in terms of trans-generational violence and dysfunctional adulthood

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)

Do it - it is an investment in the well-being of children and will have positive impact on the next generation of adults