Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Scotland: national overview report 2021/2022

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

The Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme (Keeping Children Safe) 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 the person may be a risk to their child's safety and wellbeing.

For the year 2021/2022, Police Scotland received a total of 338 applications, an increase of 53 from the previous year. Online submission was the preferred method of application with 304 received this way - an increase of 1 from the previous business year. It is considered that the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdowns may have impacted the number of applications received within the timeframe under review.

Each application submitted is carefully reviewed and risk assessed by specialist officers, including consideration of whether there was material to disclose. These processes help ensure potentially direct or indirect risks towards children are identified quickly and progressed by Police Scotland. Of the 338 applications received, a total of 19 progressed for disclosure - 4 of which were in relation to concerns around an RSO.

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 take informed action to safeguard their children or indeed to provide reassurance.