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-587

CADRP-587

 

About you

Name: Rhian Rees

Role: Flying Start Manager

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)

The introduction fo this bill will provide absolute clarity for the legal system on what is and is not legally acceptable in raising children. The previous law was open to interpretation and therefore abuse.

There is a lot of support for parents now in learning how to manage their relationships with their children in a positive way that does not involve physical punishment. The guidance and support being delivered should not only cut down on the instances of poor relationships leading to poor behaviour on both adult and child's side, but also give parents the tools, skills and confidence to use different techniques when dangerous or unacceptable behaviour needs to be discouraged.

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. That would help to strengthen the bill. It is essential.

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)

People will argue that it is an abuse of the human rights / freedom of parents to raise their children as they see fit. However their children also have rights and these must be protected.

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)

Possible increase in number of referrals to Social Services and police leading to increased costs to them

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)

Unfortunately it seems that there will be some significant financial implications. The costs of promoting the bill could be mitigated to some extent by using existing channels of communication e.g. Schools, Flying Start and Families First programmes. However, a TV campaign would undoubtedly be more effective

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)

I welcome it. Thank you.