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

  • has a record for child sexual 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'.

Sarah's Law is not for you to report something to the police. Tell us about something you've seen or heard here or find out how to report possible child abuse here.

I work for a public body and I need information for my job

Sarah's Law is for applications for information from non-professionals. If you work for a public body and are asking for information as part of your job, you should use other existing arrangements.

If you want to tell us about something suspicious or worrying to do with someone's behaviour towards children, find out how to report possible child abuse.