The law

“SARAH’S Law” was proposed after the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne by a convicted sex offender more than 11 years ago.

Officially called the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, it allows parents to check if someone with regular access to their children has a history of child sex offences.

It was piloted in 2008 and subsequently rolled out across the country.

The charity

Claude Knights, director of children’s charity Kidscape said: “These results show people are using the system and using it in a proper way.

“Children have been saved from potentially worrying situations and safeguarded. It’s very positive.

“When we first talked about this policy in its initial stages, single parents were predicted to be one of the most vulnerable groups.

“From the way paedophiles and offenders work in terms of grooming it is not unusual for them to focus on a single parent.

“We can’t assume that single mums are the only people, but they are vulnerable and that has been borne out.

“This applies to anyone with children looking to form a new relationship – including single fathers.”

She added: “The person looking to access your children is not looking for the assertive woman with lots going for her and totally in control.

“They are looking for someone who craves a bit of stability and dependability.”

Regarding the role of the internet, Mrs Knights said: “The internet is another frontier entirely and adds an extra dimension to all the work we do with bullying and protection.

“Single parents perhaps not able to get out look for companionship through online relationships, which could then lead to an offline relationship and an eventual getting together.

“Some of the offenders that do this are almost professionals and put months and months of preparation and ground work into this.”

She advised: “Most parents will know what is normal for their child. Follow your gut instinct.

“There is no harm in trying to get information and protect your child.”

What do single mums think?

Joanna King, a single mum of 38, visiting Bournemouth from Bicester, said: “I would definitely use the law to check a partner.

“If you’re bringing somebody into your family home it’s better to know before than after. We should be protecting the children, not the people who do the damage.”

Hazel Mcatackney, a single mum from Ensbury Park in Bournemouth, said: “I would use it. If you have got a concern over who your children are mixing with it’s better to check it out than find out the hard way.

“It’s not just partners either, it’s people doing after-school, or friends of friends.”

Sammy Peacock, a single mum of 25, from Charminster in Bournemouth, said: “I think it’s a good idea but then I would need to completely trust somebody before I even let them meet my daughter.

“The law can help but it’s not foolproof.

“Not everyone tells the truth about who they are.”

Dorset Police

DI Carmichael revealed that the majority of applications made under the scheme were from people who had suspicions about a new partner.

She said: “The scheme enables parents and guardians concerned that a child might be at risk to find out about a violent or sexual offender.

“The disclosures over the past year did not involve any professional people with responsibility for children – such as teachers or health care professionals.

“People who are required to work with children are required to undergo Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks prior to commencing work.

“There is also no suggestion that any of the identified individuals had struck up friendships or relationships with the intention of abusing or grooming a child.”

DI Carmichael stressed that none of the seven individuals identified were in breach of any orders.

Disclosures and safeguarding

When parents and guardians receive disclosures it enables them to take steps to protect their children.

Dorset Police said that some of the applicants from the recent figures decided to prevent an individual having contact with a child, while others have ceased contact with the identified individual altogether.

DI Joan Carmichael said: “All registered sex offenders are closely monitored in line with national guidance and legislation and regularly visited in accordance with the level of risk they pose, to ensure they are complying with their registration conditions. Many are subject to stringent orders preventing contact with children and prevention from certain activities and employment, and any breaches are rigorously enforced through the courts.”