From 31st March 2011 a service will be available to parents, carers or guardians in North Wales allowing them to ask the police whether a person who has significant contact with their child or young person has a record for sexual offences against children.

If police or checks with partner agencies show that the individual in question does have a record of sexual offences against children, or other offences that might put a child or young person at risk, consideration will be given to sharing this information with the parent, carer or guardian.

Any member of the public can approach the police with concerns about a named individual and all concerns will be investigated. However, where it is considered necessary and appropriate to release information, such disclosure will only be made to the parent, carers or guardian directly - not to the third party who made the initial enquiry.
Information will only be disclosed to a parent, carer or guardian when providing such information will increase protection for a child or young person.

How will this service help to protect children in North Wales?
This service enables parents, carers or guardians to request information about people involved in their child's life if they are concerned that he or she might be a registered child sexual offender - for example, if a single parent wants to find out more about their new partner.
It does not replace checks done by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) or the new Vetting and Barring process run by the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

How can this service help?
North Wales Police agreed to adopt the scheme because, where appropriate, disclosure to carers, parents or guardians could help increase protection for a child or young person.
Only 20 per cent of child sexual offences are carried out by strangers. The majority of child sexual offenders are known to their victims. They are often a member of the family, a friend of the victim, or a friend of the victim's family. This is why this service allows you to better protect your child from harm.

Can I access this service?
Any member of the public can approach the police with concerns about a named individual and all concerns will be investigated. However, where it is considered necessary and appropriate to release information, such disclosure will made to the parent, carer or guardian directly - not to the third party who made the initial enquiry.

How can I contact North Wales Police?
Tel: 0845 607 1002 and ask that you wish to make an application under the Child sex Offender Disclosure Scheme
You can also visit the front desk of your local police station

Is there more information available?
Further information will be available on the new North Wales Police website due to be launched shortly but for more information about this scheme call North Wales Police on 0845 607 1002 and ask for your local Public Protection Office.