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-518	CADRP-518

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?

— 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)

Not only does physical punishment not work, it is harmful.

It is unfair that children are less protected than adults by virtue of the existing law

Therefore this is a fundamental childrens rights issue and a safeguarding issue

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.

The proposed law would be an unequivocal statement that physical punishment is not acceptable.

 It would underpin and reinforce the 'public health' message that physical punishment is intolerable.

The law would settle the question that not to be beaten is a fundamental right.

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)

The only barrier would be a lack of leadership. The proposed law is something to celebrate and champion - not something to be apologetic about. Leadership will drive change.

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)

No.

As with all legislation, it is imperative that it applies fairly to all - and not targeted or biased on a class, race or gender basis.

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)

The financial implications of late stage interventions in safeguarding children are best limited by investing in easily accessible early stage support. A nation in which the the culture was unequivocally opposed to physical punishment would have an inevitable and positive impact on the general well-being and safeguarding of children. As well as being good in itself, this would have a positive impact on public finances.

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)

|Nothing other than it would reinforce the importance of devolution as a means to achieve positive Welsh solutions to chronic issues.