CRC/C/15/Add.216
page 6
(b)
Increase programmes and services aimed at the prevention of child abuse in
the home, schools and institutions and ensure that there are sufficient numbers of
adequately qualified and trained staff to provide these services;
(c)
Continue to improve the coordination of services for vulnerable families and
victims of abuse.
Corporal punishment
29.
The Committee is deeply concerned that despite a review of legislation, the State party
has still not amended section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961, which allows parents to use reasonable
force to discipline their children. While welcoming the Government’s public education
campaign to promote positive, non-violent forms of discipline within the home, the Committee
emphasizes that the Convention requires the protection of children from all forms of violence,
which includes corporal punishment in the family and which should be accompanied by
awareness-raising campaigns on the law and on children’s right to protection.
30.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Amend legislation to prohibit corporal punishment in the home;
(b)
Strengthen public education campaigns and activities aimed at promoting
positive, non-violent forms of discipline and respect for children’s right to human dignity
and physical integrity, while raising awareness about the negative consequences of corporal
punishment.
5. Family environment and alternative care
Alternative care
31.
The Committee welcomes the State party’s initiatives to strengthen the system of child
protection and alternative care through, inter alia, the adoption of the Social Work Registration
Act (2003) and the establishment of grievance panels in residential institutions. Nevertheless,
the Committee remains concerned that the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services does
not have adequate financial and human resources to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
While welcoming the additional written answers provided by the State party on the issue of
police powers of search and seizure, the Committee is also concerned about reports of children in
alternative care being subject to an increasing number of searches of their person and their
belongings.
32.
The Committee recommends that the State party continue its efforts to strengthen
the system of child protection by:
(a)
Improving the qualifications of social workers and personnel working in the
child protection system and enacting measures to retain qualified and specialized staff;
(b)
Taking effective measures to improve coordination between the Department
of Child, Youth and Family Services and organizations delivering services to children;