Overview

The Child Maltreatment Bill aims to strengthen the legal definition of child maltreatment in England and Wales, increasing penalties for those responsible for harming children and clarifying what constitutes significant harm.

Description

This bill amends the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. Key changes include:

• Revised Definition of Child Maltreatment: Significantly expands the definition of "maltreatment" to explicitly include neglect (including abandonment), physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, and emotional abuse.
• Clarified Definition of Harm: Defines "harm" as impairment of physical or mental health, or physical, intellectual, emotional, social, or behavioral development. It also clarifies that "significant harm" is judged by comparison to what could reasonably be expected of a similar child.
• Increased Penalties: Increases penalties for those found guilty of child maltreatment. On indictment, the maximum penalty is increased to 10 years imprisonment or a fine; on summary conviction, the maximum is six months imprisonment or a £3,500 fine.
• Definition of Recklessness: Defines "recklessly" to mean that a person with responsibility for a child foresaw a risk of significant harm but unreasonably took that risk anyway.

The bill applies only to England and Wales and comes into force two months after receiving Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. However, increased prosecutions and potential for longer prison sentences may lead to increased costs in the justice system and potentially in child protection services.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Children: The bill is designed to better protect children from harm.
• Parents and Caregivers: Those responsible for a child's care face increased legal risks if they neglect or abuse a child.
• Law Enforcement and Social Services: These agencies will be responsible for enforcing the new legislation.
• The Justice System: Increased workload and costs associated with prosecutions and incarceration are anticipated.

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