NCJ Number
193907
Date Published
October 2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article outlines the new legislative scheme of New South Wales (Australia) that requires child sex offenders, as well as persons who commit other specified offenses against children, to register with the police.
Abstract
New South Wales' Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000, the first of its kind in Australia, requires persons sentenced for child sex offenses (and other specified serious offenses against children) to keep local police informed of any changes in their name, address, employment, and motor vehicle. This registration mandate is for a set period of time after release into the community. The purposes of this act are to improve police intelligence on those who have offended against children, to assist in the investigation of offenses against children, to deter recidivism, to relieve the anxieties of victims and their families, and to assist in the monitoring of high-risk child sex offenders and other serious offenders against children. The act creates various offenses for failing to comply with the obligations created by the act. The role of courts under the act is to determine guilt and sentencing for registration offenses; to hear appeals on convictions or sentences for registration offenses; to provide targeted persons with written notice as to their obligations under the act; and to hear offenses under the act or regulation. 8 notes