Parents told about sex offenders

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/8070675.stm

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Parents in Tayside will be the first in Scotland to be able to ask police whether someone close to their children is a sex offender.

The area has been chosen to pilot the sex offender disclosure scheme, which will run from September until May.

Parents of anyone under 18 will be allowed to find out if someone who is regularly alone with their child has a conviction for sex crimes.

The scheme could be rolled out across Scotland if it is a success.

The project could allow a mother to find out if a new partner has a criminal record for sex crimes.

'Significant work'

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "While we must all rightly be alert to 'stranger danger', most sexual offences against children are committed by individuals known to the child's family - adults who abuse a position of trust with that child.

"This project provides another link which will assist in identifying vulnerable children and families who are unknown to police and care agencies to ensure that correct help and advice are provided."

Tayside Police Assistant Chief Constable Bill Harkins added: "We are pleased that Tayside Police, along with its community and criminal justice partners, will be responsible for the pilot project.

"We have been working closely with the Scottish Government in advance of the pilot project's implementation later this year and there is still significant work to be done in advance of this.

"Clearly good partnership working already exists in relation to the management of sex offenders in Tayside and, irrespective of the pilot project, people should always contact the authorities if they have any concerns over the safety of any child in their community."