Find out if a person has a record for child sexual offences
The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, also known as Sarah’s Law, lets those who care for young people find out if a person has a record for child sexual offences.
Overview
Under the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) the police can tell parents, carers and guardians if someone has a record for child sexual offences.
The scheme is also known as Sarah’s Law, after 8-year-old Sarah Payne who was murdered in 2000 by a convicted sex offender.
The aim of this scheme is to keep children safe.
Call 999 if you think the child is in immediate danger.
About the scheme
Most child sex offenders are known to their victims. They are often a member of the family, a friend of the victim, or a friend of the victim’s family.
Started in 2008, the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme was developed in consultation with Sara Payne, the former victims champion, along with the police, and children’s charities.
The pilot was independently evaluated in the Child Sex Offender Review (CSOR) Public Disclosure Pilots.
Apply to the scheme
You can apply to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme in England and Wales. Similar schemes are available in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Get more information
As part of the drive to protect children from harm the Lucy Faithful Foundation set up a website, Parents Protect!.
It is designed to raise awareness about child sexual abuse, to answer questions and to give parents and carers the information they need to help prevent it.
You can find more information and guidance if you’re concerned that a child or young person is at risk or is being abused.
You can also find more information about keeping children safe online, including resources, advice and information on where to go to get support.
Further information for practitioners
Updates to this page
Last updated 3 April 2023 + show all updates
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Added reference to Sarah's Law.
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Removed some outdated links.
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Added translation
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Guidance updated.
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First published.