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-132

CADRP-132

 

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)

Physical/Mental (deliberate) hurting of children "child abuse"is extensively covered  in Law with wide prosecution. This bill is confusing  definitions of hurting, with disciplining. Abuse is a selfish act(s) of hurt and pain. Discipline is controlled where the motive is for the good of the child.

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)

No.

Parental discipline is distinct from cruelty and hurt. The state via agencies such as Social Service departments of Local Authorities do not exist to "police" normal family life.

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)

Refer to clear mandates from public surveys that do not endorse this bill and do not support the theoretical and philosophical basis that forms the "backstory" to the progression of the bill. This democratic barrier should be enough to stop further movement of this bill.

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)

Time alone will tell. Democracy can be challenging because on occasion (it) says "NO".

Thinkers and Politicians alike, think that you help people by stopping "this and that" but forget to truly think it through and refer back to extensive historical legislation and evidence, and want to show they are doing "good" things and earning their healthy salaries etc.

 

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)

Workload for enforcing agencies including Courts Service,Probation Service,Social Service,Police,School staff,neighbours in your street; everyone watching all parents and the moment there is comment and suspicion of some "act" or other all these professional staff have to investigate (time and money). A myriad "can of worms".

Who did what. Who said what. Write the report.

It could well compromise the investigation of actual hurting of young people by their parent or guardian.

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)

All investigations have costs. Public spending should be used correctly, appropriately and efficiently.

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)

The thinking beneath this bill is confusing hurt with discipline. It is unsophisticated in its premise. Its philosophy is flawed. A child is not an adult and,hence,cannot be reasoned with as an adult. Smacking is not done for the satisfaction of the adult in the way that cruelty can be. The motivation and aim is entirely different; one is founded within love, the other founded in pleasure. One is altruistic, the other is not.

Definition here is important, as is understanding meanings.