Previous Sex Offender - Wife about to give birth. Question?

[RMG12345]

Hi All,

When I was 13, I was convicted of indecent assault to my sister who was a few years younger than me. I was given 100 hours community service and was put on the SOR for 5 years. This conviction was then spent after 5 years. Since my conviction, I've not heard from Child Support, NSPCC, Police or any organisation about life after SOR so quite confused.

The question I have, is that I'm now 32 and my wife is pregnant. Do I have to notify anyone that she's going give birth etc to keep them in the loop?

Thanks

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear RMG12345,

Welcome to the Parent’s Forum. Congratulations on your partner’s pregnancy.

I can see that you were 13 when you were convicted of indecent assault. I suggest you check with Unlock as to what this means legally compared to if you had been an adult when you were convicted.

You are surprised that now one has been in touch after the conviction was spent. But I would not expect the authorities to check in with you.

Depending on what Unlock say ( about whether it is different when someone is convicted as a child) I would expect there to be information about your conviction that could be accessed, if you had a DBS check or if a check was done under the sex offenders disclosure scheme.

Your question is do you have to notify anyone?

Although legally you do not need to, if you didn’t and then the authorities became aware-maybe at a later date-when your baby is already born, then it is possible they will look negatively on the fact you had not disclosed it. You may also have to move out of the family home while an assessment is completed, to safeguard your child.

Your sister or other family member or someone in your community who knew of the conviction may tell the police or children services. It is not unusual for a person to think they would not want a child to potentially go through sexual abuse so this triggers a referral to the authorities.
Have you discussed your conviction with your partner?

If you notified children services or your GP yourself, then you would be given credit for being open and honest.
Your partner is pregnant, so you may have time to be assessed and access any support that is recommended. Here is information about assessments .

If you haven’t done so yet, I suggest you contact the Just Stop It Now helpline on 0808 100 900 and look at the Parents Protect website , for further advice and support.

I hope this advice helps. If you need further advice, please post again or call our free and confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366.

Best wishes,
Suzie