Children continue to get protection; SCHEME: Green light for sex offender warning.

Byline: Helen Thomas

A SCHEME giving children more protection from sex offenders is being continued in Warwickshire after a successful first year.

The Keeping Children Safe scheme began in September last year and gives people the opportunity to raise any concerns they may have about an individual who has access to children.

They can ask police if that person has been convicted or cautioned for sexually abusing children. If police feel it is necessary to protect a child from danger, they can release information about that person to the parent or guardian although anyone receiving information is required to confirm they will not share it without permission.

Warwickshire was the first area to start the pilot scheme while three further forces introduced it from March this year.

Superintendent Debbie Teddssaid: "The scheme was due to end on September 15 but has now been extended indefinitely because we are all delighted with the initial results.

"The pilot sets out a clear process for people, even those not related to a child, to raise a concern about an individual who has signifi-cant access to a child or children. We are encouraging everyone, including the public, to play a role in keeping children safe.

She added: "It is also important to remember that we have already disclosed information to parents, carers and guardians of children who were at risk in Warwickshire."

Anyone with concerns over child safety can contact a dedicated helpline on 01926 415899 or email [e-mail] They can also visit a local police station to pass on concerns. Under the scheme, Warwickshire Police are working closely with the Local Safeguarding Children Board, Children's Services at Warwickshire County Council, the Probation Service and MAPPA, as well as local and national child protection charities.

A final evaluation will be published in December and the Government will then make a decision on whether to begin a national scheme.

How it has helped...

ONE parent of two children was worried about a friend whose house they would regularly visit.

The friend was found to be subject to a Sexual Offences Protection Order (SOPO) which includes a condition not to have unsupervised contact with a child under 18.

The parent was advised to avoid any further contact with the friend, who was subsequently arrested and charged with breaching a SOPO.

In another case a mother was concerned a previous family friend may be grooming her daughter.

The friend had no relevant convictions but he was asked to stay away from the family and when he continued to buy the daughter gifts the incident was passed on to the Child Protection Unit.

CAPTION(S):

DELIGHTED... Superintendent Debbie Tedds