Recent government data reveals that the number of people on the Sex Offenders Register in England and Wales has surpassed 68,000 as of February 19, 2024. This figure reflects a significant increase of 6,000 from 2021, with the numbers having more than doubled since 2009/10, when there were 34,939 registered offenders.

For many parents and guardians, the growing presence of predators in communities is deeply concerning. However, law enforcement and other government officials employ Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) to monitor dangerous criminals and manage their risk to the public.

Protecting Children with Sarah’s Law

If you are worried about the safety of a child, you may have the right to find out if there are registered sex offenders living near you. One way to do this is through Sarah’s Law, officially known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme.

Sarah’s Law was introduced in the wake of the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne by paedophile Roy Whiting in 2000. The law allows individuals in England and Wales to ask the police if someone with access to a child has been convicted or suspected of child abuse.

When an inquiry is made, police investigate the individual’s background and, if deemed necessary, confidentially reveal any relevant information to the person responsible for the child’s welfare—usually a parent or guardian.

Although anyone can make an inquiry under Sarah’s Law, only the person best positioned to protect the child will be informed if the individual in question has a history of sexual offences. For example, if a grandparent inquires about a new partner in the family, the police may inform the child’s parent, not the grandparent.

Understanding the Sex Offenders Register

Contrary to popular belief, the Sex Offenders Register is not accessible to the public. It is a confidential database maintained by authorities. While unofficial online databases exist, they are not regulated by the government and may not be reliable.

Anyone cautioned or convicted of a sexual offence, including online offenses, is added to the register. It’s important to note that being labeled as a “sex offender” does not necessarily mean being a “paedophile.” Sexual offenses include a wide range of crimes, from non-consensual acts such as rape and sexual assault to child sexual abuse, grooming, and crimes that exploit others for sexual purposes.

Individuals are placed on the Sex Offenders Register for varying lengths of time, depending on the severity of their offense. For example:

• A jail term of 30 months to life = remains on the register indefinitely
• A jail term of 6 to 30 months = registration for 10 years
• A sentence of less than 6 months = on the register for seven years
• A community order sentence = on the register for five years
• A caution issued = on the register for two years

For offenders under the age of 18, the registration period is halved, except for prison sentences of 30 months or more.

How to Access Information

If you are concerned about the safety of a child and believe they may be in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.

If you wish to inquire about whether someone with access to a child has a history of sexual offenses, you can request information under Sarah’s Law. This can be done by calling 101 or visiting your local police station to ask for a “Child Sex Offenders Disclosure Scheme Form” (also known as Form 284). The police will evaluate whether sharing information is lawful, necessary, and proportionate to protect the child.

However, it’s important to note that even if information is shared, parents and guardians are required to keep the details confidential. Breaching this confidentiality could result in legal action.

For more information on how to protect children from abuse, parents and guardians can visit the Parents Protect website.

Recommended Reading:

• Police forces urged by watchdog to ‘give rape victims the service they deserve’
• Met Police not managing risks posed by sex offenders effectively, inspectors say

By staying informed and vigilant, parents and guardians can play a crucial role in safeguarding their children against potential threats.