The charity’s report 'Keeping Children Safe: The case for reforming the law on child neglect', spearheads a new campaign urging the Government to reform the current law on child neglect to ensure that children are protected, parents are supported rather than criminalised, and neglect is prevented.
According to Action for Children, the number of people in England and Wales convicted of cruelty to or neglect of children has nearly tripled in ten years, rising from 774 people in 2001 to 2,172 in 2010.
However, the charity claims that the legal definition of child abuse or neglect, defined by law as an individual event such as an injury rather than cumulative harm, is too narrow and outdated as it fails to take into account all forms of neglect. The current law on child neglect was passed in 1933.
A survey of 1,092 parents by the charity also revealed that many find the current law confusing and it leaves them feeling unclear about their responsibilities towards children.
When asked what would help parents to meet their responsibilities, two-thirds agreed that a clear law is needed which can be understood by all.
Action for Children is now urging the Government to commit to a review of the law on neglect during this Parliament.
The charity is also calling for:
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