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-376

CADRP-376

 

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)

I don't think that banning smacking and taking the right off a parent on how to discipline a child is a good or positive move.  I also don't think it will make any difference to levels of child abuse as I believe they are 2 different things. I don't believe it will be a good use of funds or easy to enforce and like all things is open to abuse itself. There is a danger of families being accused for religious or political motives. I believe the breakdown of society is largely due to the removal of all constraints and deterrents and as an educator experience this firsthand. . Physical discipline when used as a last resort in a loving and caring manner puts the child's welfare & wellbeing first and foremost. If a child is doing something dangerous and detrimental to their own or someone elses wellbeing and is not listening to reason and all other methods have failed then physical discipline is necessary for protection. There is a huge difference between smacking a child and beating a child but this legislation does not differentiate between the two or how it will be enforced. My concern as a practising Christian is that we will become targets of people with a religious axe to grind. This law directly contradicts the Bible and what the Bible teaches about discipline and therefore puts Christians in a very difficult position if it goes ahead. I don't see what good can come from it. I believe the more responsibility we remove from parents the more problems in society we are creating  and in danger of becoming a Nanny state. We need to spend more time, effort and resources equipping and training parents to do a better job and thus minimising the dangers of abuse. . Most things that are well intended end up being used for the wrong reasons and cause more damage than good and the innocent end up suffering.

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)

If this bill were to go ahead I don't believe any amount of legislation would protect religious groups from practising their faith and not become a target.  We would need very clear and detailed legislation outlining how it will be enforced and policed. There needs to be clear protection of religious groups so it cannot be abused and used for political or religious motives against individuals or families or communities. Clear guidance needs to be given to avoid innocent people being falsely accused and their children being traumatized by the experience. The legislation needs detailed information on what constitutes a serious breach of the law, what needs following up and what steps are to be taken to protect children and their families from stress and trauma. Dealt with in a wrong way could destroy innocent families which is what we should be protecting and strengthening.

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 cost of policing and enforcing this bill I think far outweighs any benefit gained. As the police services are already overworked and stretched to the limit I don't believe adding this additional burden will be beneficial. Charities such as NSPCC already do a fantastic job and are also stretched to the limit. Monies would be far better spent supporting their campaigns. How would you publicise this and inform people of it making it clear what constitutes a serious breach not a minor incident. How would you prevent waste of time, energy, tax payers money investigating false claims. People can use it to falsely accuse someone who is living a life & practising beliefs different to others. How would you stop Christians becoming a target. How will it be monitored and assessed and scrapped if proven to not be effective. Once it's passed does it continue to drain public resources.

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)

Not at all

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 as already stated. The dangers of false accusations motivated by religious, political or personal reasons. Religious groups becoming a target for practising their Faith thus placing them in a very difficult position. Innocent Families being dragged through the system, judged as guilty and having stress & trauma caused them for minor issues. Who will judge the severity and differentiate to protect children and families. This has already happened with Social Services and Christian families fostering.

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)

As already stated the stress and financial burden on already stretched services I think is too great for it to be implemented effectively and efficiently. There are not enough physical Police presence anywhere at any time to effectively enforce. The financial cost would far outweigh any benefit gained. How will it be monitored and reported on to ensure funds are not being wasted also has huge financial implications.

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)

Does it have a time limit if it is passed and proven not to be successful or viable. Can it be revoked? How will it be assessed and monitored and by whom? Where are the funds coming from to enforce and monitor it?