2012

Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme

Keeping Children Safe – how it works Keeping Children Safe enables parents, carers or guardians of children under 18 years old to make a formal request for the disclosure of information about a named person who may have contact with their child if they are concerned that he or she might be a registered sex offender.

Only the parent, carer or guardian can receive information, although anyone can register an interest about any person An average of 20 applications per month across Scotland. Around 2 disclosures per month. Activity varies around country

Upstream Content PowerPoint slides Presentation tips and advice Keeping children safe Evaluation materials Sample letters Prevention exercise Audio materials Example presentation video

Communities Police Faith Groups LGBT Minority Ethnic Communities Youth Groups Disability Groups Housing Sports organisations Prisoners and their families

Further information Stop it Now information booklets Children and body image Online abuse and internet safety Sex offender information Research documents Video material Useful links

Aims To raise awareness of sexual abuse To empower parents, carers & communities to protect children To inform members of the public about how registered sex offenders are managed in the community

What is the risk of child sexual abuse?

Facts about Child Sexual Abuse 1 in 6 children have been sexually abused by the time they are 16 8 out of 10 children know their abusers The vast majority are not reported to the Police

So …who are the abusers?

Who are the Abusers? Adult Males 50 % ? Adult Females 5-20 % ? Young people and Children 30 % + “The majority of perpetrators sexually assault children known to them, with about 80 % of offences taking place in the home of either the offender or the victim”.

Who are the abusers? People we know People we care about People from all classes, cultures and backgrounds People of any sexual orientation

Which is the offender?

Who Monitors? Known offenders V Unknown offenders

Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements Panel of professionals from different agencies who work together to manage the risk posed by the offender For example police, social work, prison, health, education, housing, children’s services

Sex Offenders Register Convicted of a sexual offence Register at the Police Station Provide fingerprints & photograph Annual renewal Length of time on register depends on sentence No actual paper based register!

Community Disclosure Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme

Positive Steps What can we all do?

Some signs to be aware of in children Acting out in sexual ways with toys or objects Changes in personality and behaviour Unaccountable fears of people and places Becoming secretive Physical signs around sexual areas Showing a sexual awareness beyond their experience or age (use with care)

Some signs to be aware of in adults Refuses a child privacy Insists on physical affection when not wanted Insists on time alone without interruptions Gives money/gifts that seem excessive Repeatedly walks in on children in the bathroom Singles out a particular child to be special (use with care)

SMART rules for Parents SSecrecy Sexual abuse thrives in secrecy. Children find it very difficult to tell anyone that they are being abused by an adult or another child. Talking to and listening to your child is the best prevention. MMonitor your child for signs that they are not happy. Be alert to the warning signs of abuse. AAttention Be aware of who is paying attention to your children and who their friends are. Don’t ignore any unease you feel about people showing interest in your child. RRespect your child’s wishes if they don’t want to be with someone or to stay somewhere. Discuss with them why they feel this way. TTalk openly to your children about keeping safe; and if your child does confide in you, listen calmly and be reassuring.

SMART Adults to share with Children SSecrets These can be good fun, but if they make us sad or confused, it’s best to check them out with mum or dad or someone else you trust. MMates Take someone with you when you are going somewhere and stay together AAlways tell your parents, carer or someone else you trust where you are going, who you are with and when you will be back. RRespect your body and remember it is private. No-one has the right to touch you on your private areas (those covered by your swim suit). TTell your parent/carer or someone else you trust if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or frightened

Parents of young people with sexually worrying behaviour: to encourage them to recognise signs of abusive behaviour in their children and seek advice about what to do. Family & Friends: to encourage them to recognise the signs of abusive behaviour in those close to them and to seek about what action to take. Adult abusers & Potential abusers: to encourage them to recognise their behaviour as abusive and seek help to change

Any Questions THANK YOU