The review found:
- Overall, the evidence suggests that implementation is progressing well, supported by strong inter-agency collaboration and a clear focus on prevention and education.
- The system is increasingly taking a preventative and proportionate approach, and operational impacts are emerging, as guidance and pathways mature.
- Modest, practical improvements in communication, workforce support, and data quality, especially around consistency and equity, will aid continued effective implementation of the Act and provide a well-rounded and robust set of data and evidence for the 5-year post implementation review.
RCPCH Officer for Child Protection, Professor Andrew Rowland, said:
Evidence from Wales shows that outlawing physical punishment for children and young people has been an overwhelming success. It has protected children’s rights while supporting both professionals and families. Professionals now report having more positive interactions with parents around alternative forms of discipline. The Out-of-Court Parenting Support Scheme has also been a key success.
With Scotland and Wales already outlawing physical punishment, the College has been campaigning to end physical punishment of children in Northern Ireland and England. We must ensure children across the UK have the same rights and level of protection, and the evidence from Wales strongly indicates there are no robust reasons why England and Northern Ireland should not now act.
We now call upon the UK government and the Northern Ireland government (Executive) to urgently follow the positive measures introduced in Scotland and Wales and finally outlaw the unjust loophole of ‘reasonable’ punishment. This will help to create safe, respectful environments where children and families are supported to flourish: happily, healthily, and safe from harm”.