Media

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1418227

Mother angered by anti-smacking law
Oct 28, 2007 9:48 AM

A mother is speaking out about her family's fear of being pulled apart thanks to the anti-smacking laws.

The woman, who wants to remain anonymous, has written a letter about her experiences to lobby group Family First.

She claims she was approached by CYF after her child's school dobbed her in for smacking.

The woman says a teacher had been questioning the child about their home life, after an incident involving a classmate.

Family First Director Bob McCoskrie says it's the kind of thing every parent fears from the anti smacking law, but says it's not the only time the woman's felt the effects of anti-smacking law.

He says she had previously given the boy a smack to get the boy off the trampoline and police arrived in 20 minutes saying a complaint had been laid.

McCoskrie says the incident was then referred to a foster care agency who contacted the woman.

He says no one wants to come to CYF's attention, and it's also a worry the school didn't talk to the parents first.

McCoskrie says the law needs to be clearer so families who really need help can get it.