Children’s Commissioner commends moves to better protect children

In his submission to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee on the Child and Family Protection Bill, Children’s Commissioner Dr John Angus, supported changes that would better protect children.

“This Bill seeks to make positive changes to three key pieces of legislation relating to children”, said Dr John Angus.

“I am pleased that the proposed amendments to the Domestic Violence Act and Care of Children Act take steps to recognise the interests and rights of children exposed to all forms of family violence including psychological abuse.

“The profound impact of psychological abuse on children is often not understood by adults caught up in conflict and preoccupied with their own issues. However, there is a great deal of evidence of the long term harm caused by the psychological abuse and neglect of children, in particular young children.

“I have recommended to the Committee that although the Bill proposes a specific amendment to the Adoption Act that will increase penalties for those offering or accepting financial gain for adoption, a comprehensive review of the Adoption Act itself is long overdue.

“Passed in 1955 the Adoption Act is out of date and does not provide a strong legislative foundation for good practice. I have encouraged the Committee to give consideration to its review”, said Dr Angus.

ENDS

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