Blogs

"In some ways, I support the proposed legislation that will criminalise neglect. Too many children suffer from neglect but are not close to social care thresholds. The important point is that parliament will be giving a message that neglect is not acceptable, and the debates will raise general awareness. But I don't want to criminalise parents - I want them to improve how they parent, where that is inadequate. Parents who neglect their children need much more than sanctions or simply the taking of children into care. Parent education is critical and parent support is critical, and we don't do enough of either. Social workers are increasingly pressed, schools and early years providers have neither the time nor the expertise to work with parents on these issues, and neither has the health service. So I am pleased that something is reversing the trend, even if it is based on sanctions - but let's continue to argue strongly and loudly for support, not sanctions, for our most vulnerable parents and children." John Freeman on parenting support