The media are full of stories about a 14 year old boy who abused a 4 year old, claiming he 'got away with it.' The truth is that he has been made subject to a SOPO (Sexual Offences Prevention Order) which means the police can enter his home and check whether he has access to a computer, or has any inappropriate items in the home, or anywhere else he goes. He will be monitored by nominated specialist police officers who also supervise registered sex offenders. His case will be discussed at multi-agency public protection meetings, and all professionals who know him will contribute current assessments of his risk. If he flouts the SOPO they'll come down on him like a ton of bricks. He now has to undergo regular assessments and receive any treatment deemed necessary. If he doesn't comply, he will be back before the court. This way of managing young people who are assessed as having acted out of curiosity is an alternative to diversion from custody with no intervention at all. In effect, he is being treated in the same way as a convicted offender who has to undergo probation treatment and police supervision. I hope the child gets ten times that amount in support!
