Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA): overview report 2020 to 2021

9. Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme (Keeping Children Safe)

The Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme (Keeping Children Safe) scheme was introduced across Scotland in 2011 and is managed by Police Scotland.

The scheme enables parents, carers or guardians to make a formal request for information about a named person who may have contact with their child if they are concerned that he or she may be a risk to their child's safety and wellbeing.

For the year 2020/2021, Police Scotland received a total of 285 applications, a decrease of 11 from the previous year. The preferred method of submission was via the online application where 253 of the 285 were received - an increase of 12 from 2019/2020. Clearly the online method being by far the preferred method of submission as opposed to the more traditional channels of telephone or in person. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdowns is likely to have been a factor over the reporting year.

Each application submitted is carefully reviewed and risk assessed by specialist officers, ensuring potentially direct or indirect risks towards children are identified and progressed by Police Scotland. Of the 285 applications received, a total of 9 progressed for disclosure - 4 of which were in relation to concerns around a Registered Sex Offender.

The scheme remains a proactive tool in protecting children, providing a clear access route for the public to raise potential child protection concerns and allowing parents/carers to make informed action to safeguard their children or indeed provides reassurance.