Petition · Ministry of Justice
Make child abandonment by a parent a criminal offence
Closed
60 signatures
What the petition asks
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.
Timeline
| 17 Dec 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 17 Jun 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
60
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
17 Dec 2025
Closed
17 Jun 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 18 Aug 2026.