Petition Make child abandonment by a parent a criminal offence

We call on the Government to update child protection and family law by making child abandonment by a parent a criminal offence.

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Abandonment is classed as neglect, but we believe absent parents face no accountability and scrutiny falls on the parent who stays. Making child abandonment by a parent a criminal offence could ensure the system is fairer and both parents are held equally responsible.

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29 signatures

Progress of the petition towards its next target: 29 of 10,000 signatures required to get a government response

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At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament

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Created by Nicola Marsh
Deadline 17 June 2026 All petitions run for 6 months
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