Checks for child sex offenders to be available in 18 more police force areas

A scheme that allows parents to check whether people who have contact with their children are convicted sex offenders is to be rolled out across England and Wales by March 2011.

The extension of the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, also referred to as Sarah’s Law, will be introduced to 18 new police force areas in August.

The move follows a successful year-long pilot of the scheme in Warwickshire, Hampshire, Cleveland and Cambridgeshire, where it has been credited with protecting more than 60 children from potential abuse.

Data from the pilot showed that a total of 585 enquiries and 315 applications were made by parents, carers and guardians. The main applicants were fathers concerned about their former partners’ new boyfriend, followed by queries from grandparents.

In total, 21 disclosures were made about registered child sex offenders and 43 additional cases led to a range of other safeguarding actions such as referrals to children’s social care.

Diana Sutton, head of public affairs and campaigns at the NSPCC, said, ‘It’s good that the disclosure pilots have helped to protect children. However, all new local schemes need close management and proper resourcing to avoid vigilante action and sex offenders going underground. The Home Office must continue to monitor the impact of the rollout on local child protection arrangements and communities.’

As part of the scheme, the Government will also be working with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre to pilot a new online reporting process where members of the public can register any concerns.