Community Disclosure Schemes

With the vast majority of offences, it is up to you as an individual to decide whether to tell your loved ones about the offence.

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However, in the case of sexual offences and offences relating to domestic abuse, there are circumstances in which people are able to request information from the police about your background.

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The Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme

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The Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme provides a formal way for parents, carers or guardians to request information about someone who is involved in their family life.

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In addition, any other member of the general public who is concerned that a child might be at risk can submit a request under the scheme. However, only the parent, carer or guardian of the child can be given information.

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If you have a conviction for a sexual offence against a child, the police will make a judgement as to whether sharing that information is "necessary and proportionate" to enable the parent, carer or guardian to protect the child.

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In some circumstance, the police will work with you to enable you to disclose the information yourself.

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In England this is known as Sarah's Law, so you might sometimes hear people refer to it as that.

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More information on the Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme can be accessed on the Scottish Government website.

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The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland

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The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland allows members of the public to find out whether a person has a history of domestic abuse.

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You can apply to find out about:

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• Your own partner's history of domestic abuse
• Someone else's partner – you do not have to be related to the person
• Someone you work with if you're a professional

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Information will be shared if the police decide it is "lawful and necessary". They will disclose information if:

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• Police checks show that the partner has a record of abusive behaviour
• There is other information that suggests a potential victim is at risk

In England this is known as Clare's Law, so you might sometimes hear people refer to it as that.

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More information on the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland can be found on the Scottish Government website.

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