Sarah’s Law and Why We Need To Be Talking About It

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about Clare’s Law Domestic Abuse and Disclosure Scheme, and became increasingly aware that very few people knew of this potentially lifesaving scheme.

If you are reading this post still unaware of Clare’s Law and how it can potentially help to protect yourself or your loved ones, read about it here.

In light of the general lack of knowledge around Clare’s Law, I felt it necessary to also write a post about Sarah’s Law and the importance of this scheme.

Why Sarah’s Law?

Many people will remember the story of Sarah Evelyn Isobel Payne, the 8 year old school girl who was abducted, assaulted and murdered in England, in July 2000.  The child was kidnapped whilst playing with her siblings near to her grandparents’ house by Roy Whiting, a man who had previously been jailed for abducting and indecently assaulting a minor of the same age.  In 1995 Whiting was convicted for his previous attacks and imprisoned for four years, yet, upon his release, was able to re-offend, with Sarah falling victim to his malevolent crimes.

Sarah’s Law Explained

Sarah’s Law, also known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, was established in England and Wales in 2011, as Sarah Payne’s parents called upon the government to take action to avoid a tragedy like their daughter’s happening again.

The scheme follows from similar legislation that was introduced in America in 1996, named Megan’s Law.  Megan’s Law was established after the rape and murder of 7 year old Megan Kanka, by Jesse Timmendequas, a man with two previous convictions of sexual assaults towards children aged 5 and 7.

For England and Wales, the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (Sarah’s Law) allows any parent, guardian or third party to formally contact the police and enquire about the previous convictions of any individual who has contact with a child.  If the individual with contact is found to have a record of previous child sexual offences, or offences that may make the individual a risk to the child, the police will consider sharing this information.  The information about previous convictions is typically shared with the child’s parent or guardian, where necessary steps can be taken to protect the child.

An individual’s previous convictions are confidential, therefore the police will only disclose information if they deem it is necessary to do so for the best interests of the child.

Contact

If you have concerns about an individual’s contact with a child and wish to address this via Sarah’s Law Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, you can do so in the following ways:

• Dial 101 (the police non-emergency telephone number) to discuss your concerns.
• Visit your local police station and ask to fill out a Child Sex Offenders Disclosure Form.
• If you feel the situation is an emergency, do not hesitate to call the police emergency telephone number on 999.

Other Useful Contacts

NSPCC
The UK’s leading children’s charity, to prevent abuse and help those affected.
Phone: 0808 800 5000  Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Parents Protect
To help parents and carers better protect children from abuse.
Phone: 0808 1000 900  Email: help@stopitnow.org.uk

Childline
A free 24 hour counselling service for children and young people.
Phone: 0800 1111  Email via website here.

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