NSPCC previous campaigns, equal protection, restraint in child custody, sexually harmful behaviour

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Recent campaigns that you have helped us with

Equal protection - March 2008

In 2008 the Government reviewed the Children and Young Persons Bill.

This created the opportunity for us to lobby Parliament to change the law to give children the same protection from assault as adults.

The prime purpose of the change would not be to criminalise parents; the change should be introduced in a sensitive and sensible way matched with parenting and family support. Prosecutions would only happen if clearly in the child's best interest.

The vote was delayed from June until October 2008.

Pain restraint in custody

STOP NEWS UPDATE - 29 July 2008

In July, five months after this campaign was launched, the Court of Appeal ruled that it was unlawful to use restraint in secure training centres for the purpose of "good order and discipline".

Read the press release here

Restraint in custody - February 2008

In early 2008 the Government held a review of the use of pain restraint on children and young people in custody.

In the youth justice system in England and Wales, children and young people are being physically harmed, by those responsible for looking after them.

Current Government policy specifically permits the infliction of pain and the use of potentially dangerous physical restraint to discipline children.

The NSPCC went to the Government with a clear message. Pain restraint must stop and physical restraint should only be used in extreme circumstances.

As supporters who care about cruelty to children, you were able to have your say in this review.