The criminal law and child neglect: - Action for Children

IntroductionIn April 2012, Action for Children launcheda campaign asking the Government toreview the criminal law on child neglect, ascontained in the Children and YoungPersons Act 1933.As part of this work, a group of independentexperts was convened by Action for Childrento provide informed and objective guidanceto their campaign. Members were invitedfrom a range of backgrounds and fieldsof expertise, including legal practice andacademia, specialist child psychiatry andsocial work. Representatives from a numberof relevant organisations are also part of thegroup, including Cafcass, BASPCAN, andthe NSPCC.Laura HoyanoHackney Fellow & Tutor in LawWadham College, University of OxfordAs Chair of the Advisory Group, I wouldlike to thank my fellow members who havegiven time and energy this critical subjectand important campaign, as well as ensuringthat the issues were subject to a robustdebate. The contributions of a number ofdistinguished colleagues have helped formthe arguments contained within this report.I also am very grateful to the staff of Actionfor Children for the strong logistical supportthey have provided to the Advisory Group.The Children and Young Persons Act 1933will be 80 years old in April 2013, withsections of the Act dating back to 1868.The time has come for us to treat childneglect with the same seriousness weafford physical and sexual abuse, and toreplace the antiquated, confusing andultimately inadequate criminal law againstthe neglect of children.3.