Miller Research was commissioned by the Welsh Government to deliver a three-year post- implementation review of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020, examining how the legislation has been implemented and understood since coming into force in March 2022. The Act removed the legal defence of “reasonable punishment”, giving children in Wales the same legal protection from assault as adults and supporting Wales’ commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The review explored awareness and understanding of the Act, attitudes towards physical punishment, impacts on public services, and stakeholder experiences across Wales.

The research combined a synthesis of evidence and administrative data with qualitative and quantitative research methods. This included a review of 47 literature sources, analysis of Welsh Government monitoring data, national surveys, and police, CPS and social services datasets, alongside qualitative research with professionals working with children and families across health, education, policing, local authorities and the third sector. Findings show high levels of awareness of the Act among professionals and the wider public, alongside growing support for non-physical approaches to discipline. The research also highlights the Out of Court Parenting Support (OOCPS) scheme as a key mechanism for providing parenting support as an alternative to prosecution and ensuring responses remain preventative and proportionate.

The report concludes that the Act is operating broadly as intended three years after implementation, with public services largely absorbing operational changes and professionals reporting greater clarity around safeguarding and children’s rights. The findings also identify opportunities to strengthen implementation further, including refreshing sector-specific guidance and training, improving consistency in referral pathways and multi-agency working, and strengthening data collection to support future monitoring and evaluation.