Entering any new relationship can be an exciting yet daunting step. It can be even more nerve-racking when there is more than just your own wellbeing to consider. There are steps that can be taken to protect not only yourself, but your children too.
What is Sarah’s Law?
Sarah’s Law, also known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, allows parents, guardians and carers to ask the police to inform them if someone that has contact with a child has a criminal record for child sex offences.
The police will carry out their checks and if it is found that the individual has a record for child sex offences that might put a child at risk, the police will consider sharing this information. The police will only disclose this information if it is lawful, necessary and proportionate to do so in the interests of protecting a child from harm.
What do they mean by contact with a child?
Contact with a child can mean various different situations where a person has enough access to a child to pose a real risk of harm:
- They live with the child
- They work in the child’s household
- They talk to the child over the phone or social media
- They could meet the child unsupervised through access to shared common areas such as corridors, gardens or through a relationship with the child’s family
How can I make an application under Sarah’s Law?
You can make an application by visiting your local police station, apply online or by calling 101.
What happens after I make an application?
During the first 24 hours the police will find a safe way to keep in touch with you.
Within 10 days of making the application, the police will ask you to attend a meeting to show proof of your identity, show proof of your relationship to the child and to find out more details. If the police are unable to confirm your identity, you cannot be told the results of their search, but they will still act to keep the child safe.
The police will check whether the individual has any convictions for child sex offences and whether they pose a threat to children based on those previous child sex abuse convictions. If a risk of harm is identified and the disclosure is necessary to protect the child concerned from harm, this information will be given to the immediate caregiver of the child. It may be the case that disclosure is not given to the original applicant unless they are the immediate caregiver.
How long does it take?
It can take up to 28 days for the police to complete a check. The police will act right away if they believe the child is in immediate danger and will not wait until the check is finished.
Will the individual be told about my application?
The police will normally inform the individual who was checked that they are sharing information if they decide that it is safe to do so. It might be the case that they tell the individual who asked for the check to be carried out, but the police will talk to you when making this decision.
Phone 999 if you think a child is in immediate danger
NSPCC (for adults)
Telephone: 0808 800 5000
Report child abuse in education
NSPCC (for children, young people and adults)
Telephone: 0800 136 663 (free)
ChildLine (for children and young people)
Telephone: 0800 1111 (free)
Lyons Davidson have a wealth of experience in dealing with children matters. Contact Lyons Davidson today on on 0344 251 0070. You can also email us at [email protected] and find out how we can help.
Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Please be aware that the relevant law may have changed since the date of publication of this article.
