The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets members of the public formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children:

• has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences
• poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason

It’s not a law, but it is sometimes called ‘Sarah’s Law’. It gives guidance on how you can ask the police to use their existing powers to share information about sex offenders. If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you’ve seen, heard or been told, members of the public can use Sarah’s Law to find out if that person is a risk.

Anyone who is worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child can apply, not just a child’s parents. This includes people like a grandparent, neighbour or friend. No matter who makes the application, if there is information the police decide to share, they will tell whoever can use the information to keep the child safe. This might not be the person who made the application, it might be someone else (like the child’s parents).

Please note, an application must ask for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders.

For further information and how to make a Sarah’s Law (CSODS) application, please visit the Warwickshire Police website.

Warwickshire Police – Sarah’s Law (Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme) 

If a child you know is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect, contact Warwickshire’s Family Connect (Children’s Social Care).