Sex offenders register

[CYNthesys]

Do childrens social services need suspects consent to obtain their info that is held on sex offenders register. SS claim they need the individuals consent.

[des8]

Under the Child Sex Disclosure Scheme anybody can make an application to the police about a person who has some form of contact with a named child
If that person has convictions for sexual offences against children or poses a risk of causing harm to the child concerned, disclosure may be made to the person best positioned to safeguard that child, not necessarily the person who made application

There is nothing about getting the persons permission, and it would rather nullify the scheme if it was necessary

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...nce-accessible

[PallasAthena]

Depends on context. If SS wanted the information, for example, in connection with a specific child protection concern then social workers could ask the police for any relevant information they held, including whether the person was on the sex offenders register. It would be at the police's discretion whether to provide it but according to my OH, an ex-SW, the police would usually agree. This would not require the person's consent, they probably wouldn't even be aware of it.

Social workers though can't routinely call up the register on their PC and just read who is on it. The police hold the register and all requests have to go to them.

Requesting the information with the person's consent is also common. For example, anyone applying to be a foster parent will be required to give permission for the register to be checked, alongside other criminal record checks.