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Proceeding contribution from Ann Coffey (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 20 June 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill on Children and Adoption Bill [HL].


Children and Adoption Bill [Lords]

I do not disagree with the principle of a child’s welfare being met by contact with both parents. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that in new clause 4 his definition of a child’s welfare is prescriptive? For example, it reads that the presumption is"““that if his parents are not living together””," the child’s welfare is best served through residence with one of them. A child’s need for quality parenting from both parents could be met by residence for three days with one parent and four days with the other. I am suggesting to the hon. Gentleman that perhaps the new clause demonstrates the difficulty of trying to define in the Bill in a prescriptive way how a child’s welfare needs might be met. It is something that might be better met by a court’s decision.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
447 c1218 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Children Adoption Abuse CAFCASS Arbitration Contact orders Absent parents Families Domestic abuse Human trafficking Divorce Intercountry adoption Family law Grandparents Family proceedings Parents Parental responsibility Separation Risk assessment
Legislation
Children and Adoption Bill (HL) 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk