Multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) Scotland: national overview report 2016 to 2017

9.0 Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme (Keeping Children Safe)

The Keeping Children Safe scheme was introduced across Scotland in 2011 and is managed by Police Scotland.

The scheme encourages members of the public to apply for information about an individual who has access to a child if they are concerned that the individual poses a risk to a child's safety and wellbeing.

The number of applications for information in the year 2016/17 was 74. The number of those applications which related to RSOs was 14. As a consequence a total of 2 disclosures were made to parents, carers, or guardians.

The figures above indicate that concerned members of the public will in many cases be reassured that the person is not known to the authorities, but even so they are provided with essential child protection advice and information. In cases where the police believe that an individual poses a risk to the child concerned, steps will be taken to ensure the child's safety and relevant information may be provided to the parent, carer, or guardian.

Police Scotland provides governance and coordination for the scheme to ensure it is publicised widely and embedded in national police training.

Should you have any query in relation to this report please contact:

Community Safety Unit
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG