Sex offender detail scheme for Lothians

PARENTS across the Lothians will now be able to find out if a sex offender has access to their children, after a disclosure scheme was extended across the whole country.

Under the "Keeping Children Safe" initiative, parents, carers and guardians of youngsters under 18 can ask the police if a person who has contact with that child has a record for sexual offences against children, or other offences that might put their child at risk.

If the person in question does pose a risk, information may be given to the parent, carer or guardian as a protective measure. If there is a serious or immediate risk, measures to protect that child will be taken straight away.

The scheme was initially piloted in Tayside in 2009. So far, participating forces have received 160 applications and 21 disclosures have been made. A range of actions have been taken to protect youngsters.