CRIMINAL LAW ON CHILD NEGLECT

Early day motion 2986, tabled 19 April 2012 by Ian Mearns (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House welcomes Action for Children's campaign to change the criminal law on child neglect; notes that an estimated 1.5 million children are neglected in the UK; further notes that the legal definition of child neglect was enshrined in legislation in 1933 and has not been amended since; is concerned that the law does not sufficiently protect children from harm because it does not include all of the effects of neglect, particularly the emotional harm caused to children; recognises that the law does not help parents understand their responsibilities towards children or seek to prevent harm; is further concerned that current sentencing guidelines seek only to criminalise parents and do not allow for early intervention in the form of parenting educationand support; and calls on the Government to update the criminal law on neglect to ensure that the general public and parents in particular understand the basic needs of children.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Liberal Democrat 4, DUP 3, Alliance 1, Conservative 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.