Under consideration PE2238: Automatically remove parental rights upon the conviction of a child sexual/domestic abuse offence

Background information

I am calling on the Scottish Government to tighten laws over parental access where the parent has been convicted of a child sexual or domestic abuse offence. The current legislative regime leaves the decision to the civil courts which can cause delay and distress and risk of immediate harm. The placing of an offender on the sex offenders register should mean automatic removal of parental rights. The rights and protections of children should come above the rights of the offender.

The Victims and Prisoners Bill in England and Wales aims to introduce stricter controls over the access of convicted sex offenders and domestic abusers have to their children. The Scottish Government should follow suit. If a person can be placed on the sex offenders register in the criminal court, it should also be possible to simultaneously remove parental rights preventing any immediate risk of harm only to be restored by application and approval in the civil courts.