I'm on the SOR and partner is pregnant

[T4YRK]

This question has probably been asked a lot of times, but I need some general advice.

I was placed on the SOR in April 2015 for 10 years, I'm due to come off early 2025.

I was arrested at the age of 19 for sexual assault of an adult 18+ (I was in a pub and inappropriately touched a female, who reported me), subsequently I was arrested, charged and ended up in court 2 years later at the age of 21. In court I pled guilty and received a 12 month prison sentence
(serving 6)

I hugely regret everything that happened, but there's nothing I can do about it.

I have engaged with the police and told them absolutely everything I need to. My partner of 5 years is fully aware and sometimes even comes to the police station with me for my yearly notification. The police say I am low risk and apart from my yearly visit to the police station, I never hear anything from them.

Our baby is due to be born in July 2025 and I'm due to drop off the register in March 2025. Do I need to inform the police / social service as the child will be born when I'm no longer on the SOR .

We own our own house (bought two years ago). We both work full time, although when the baby is born my partner is going to give up work and I will be the main provider paying all the bills etc.

I have read horror stores online of social services forcing people to split up and even saying the man (ME) can't live in the household or has to have supervised contact. Obviously we just want a normal life.

Any advice appreciated.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear T4RYK

Welcome to the parents’ discussion forum and thank you for posting.

My name is Suzie, online adviser at Family Rights Group and I will respond to your post today.
Congratulations to you and your partner on becoming expectant parents.

It is clear from your post that due to your conviction and registration on the sex offender’s register (SOR), you are concerned about how this will impact you as a family with children’s services. You say that the police has deemed you to be a low risk however this would not mean that children’s services would not want to complete their own risk assessment if they decide there is risk of harm to your partner and unborn baby. You were placed on the register for 10 years which is a significant period of time.

There are procedures that would come into effect. Firstly, when your partner meets with the midwife she will be asked about any previous involvement with children’s services. Questions will also be asked about the baby’s father. Whilst I understand that are both worried, the best way to proceed is by being open and honest. The midwife is likely to make a referral to children’s services. I think you should look at the terms of your sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) whether you are required to inform the police as your partner is pregnant whilst you are on the SOR.

Children’s services are unlikely to be involved immediately but will explain that later into the pregnancy may be20/24 weeks, a pre-birth assessment is likely to be done. This is to consider whether safeguarding concerns are such that they believe your unborn baby should be on a child in need or child protection plan . They will also wish to carry out a risk assessment of you. You can read more about child in need and child protection

The purpose of the assessments will be to reach a decision about what happens once baby arrives. You mention being asked to leave the property and this can be a recommendation in some circumstances, but each case is different. Children’s service will look at you both where you are at now and may suggest a safety plan.
Children’s services may decide that provided there is a working safety agreement to safeguard your child that they do not have to remain involved. This can only be decided once they have had an opportunity to investigate.

I have also included links to information for parents to be, fathers and a GUIDE to working with social workers You may also wish to look at our young parents’ hub .

If you wish to have more specific information regarding your offence and how children’s services work in such circumstances, you can contact Lucy Faithfull Foundation on 0808 100 0900 and their website is HERE.

You may find it more helpful to speak with one of our experienced advisers and you can do so by telephoning our advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). It is also possible to contact using our web enquiry for or webchat on our website.

Hope you will find this helpful.

Best wishes

Suzie