A SCHEME enabling parents to check whether known sex offenders have access to their children has helped protect 84 youngsters from potential abuse.

The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, known as Sarahs Law, was piloted in Stockton before being extended across the Cleveland force area.

Since its launch in 2008, 154 applications have been made and a total of 29 disclosures have been made to parents.

These included information being given about child sex offenders who are currently on the register as well as disclosures about violent offenders and information that was concerning to police for example an allegation of a sexual nature.

Chief Constable Sean Price said: "The scheme has always been about enhancing our ability to protect children and to have shielded so many children shows how successful it has been.

"Safeguarding children from potential harm is a vital and extremely important part of the work we do and we will continue to empower parents, carers and guardians to play an active role in ensuring that more children are protected."

In one case a father made an application to his local police force as he had concerns about his ex-wife's new partner, who had access to his children.

After checks were carried out the new partner was found to have been previously arrested for child sexual offences and was in breach of bail.

A disclosure was made to the ex-wife/mother and the individual was arrested and removed from the household. Following this it was established that the ex-wife/mother was still in contact with the new partner and the children were then removed from her care.

For any other concerned parents there is a dedicated helpline for the scheme on 01642-302902 and further information is available at cleveland.police.uk.

For further information about recognising signs of child abuse, members of the public can be directed towards the Stop It Now! Helpline on 0808 1000 900.

A national website parentsprotect.co.uk has also been set up and is designed to raise awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse, answer questions and give adults the information they need to help protect children.