Sarah's Law

Sarah’s Law

Understanding the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme

Often referred to as Sarah’s Law, the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme allows people to ask police to check whether a specific person who has contact with a child may pose a sexual risk to that child.

This guide explains who can apply, what information police consider, who may receive a disclosure and what happens throughout the process.

It also makes important distinctions between Sarah’s Law, DBS checks and general requests for information about people living within a neighbourhood.

It includes:

• What Sarah’s Law is
• Who can make an application
• Which concerns the scheme can consider
• How to apply
• What happens after an application
• Identity and safeguarding checks
• What police may disclose
• Confidentiality
• What it means if there is no information to share
• Supporting and listening to a child
• Further safeguarding support

A clear guide to using the scheme appropriately while keeping the child’s safety at the centre.

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