Scottish Government MAPPA annual overview report 2016

11.0 Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme - (Keeping Children Safe)

The Keeping Children Safe scheme was introduced across Scotland in 2011 and is managed by the Police Service of 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 2015/16 was 116. The number of those applications which related to registered sex offenders was 21. As a consequence a total of 11 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.

The Police Service of Scotland provides governance and coordination for the scheme to ensure it is publicised widely and embedded in national police training. Work is currently being undertaken to enhance the public profile of the scheme to ensure that it remains a key contributor to the protection of children.

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