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Open Make child abandonment by a parent a criminal offence

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

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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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 17 June 2026.