Tougher Measures Announced for Child Sex Offenders in the U.K.

New measures to strengthen restrictions against child sex offenders and build on the UK’s existing tough regime were announced today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

Today’s measures include:

* Removing the need for recent evidence when the police are seeking a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO);

* Requiring registered sex offenders to notify the police earlier of their intentions to travel abroad;

* Automatic removal of an individual’s passport when they are subject to a blanket Foreign Travel Order;

* Extending the duration of a Foreign Travel Order from the current six months.

The Home Secretary is also considering and will seek views on the following:

* Further restrictions on passport issuance and validity;

* Raising the upper age limit in respect of the child at risk (from 16 to 18) to allow for a Foreign Travel Order to be made for this age group in certain specified circumstances.

The changes follow consultation with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency (CEOP) and the police.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

“The UK has a rigorous system in place for managing child sex offenders which is among the toughest in the world. The changes I’m announcing today will strengthen that even further.

“I want to see anyone who poses a threat to our children dealt with as firmly as possible. I’ve spoken to child protection experts and the police and they have told me that these changes will further restrict the ability of child sex offenders to harm children both here and overseas. I will legislate for these measures as soon as possible.”

Existing arrangements

Anyone convicted of a child sex offense automatically goes on the Sex Offenders Register. The severity of their sentence affects their duration on the register.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Agencies (MAPPA) oversee the offender after their release from custody. MAPPA draws together the police, probation service, prison service and other agencies.

The police can apply for a Sexual Offences Prevention Order or a Foreign Travel Order in individual cases to prevent the offender from committing further sexual offenses either here or against children abroad.

Source: Home Office

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