Home
>
Parenting
>
How Many Sex Offenders Live On Your Block?

How Many Sex Offenders Live On Your Block?

For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives on the same block, can be a chilling discovery. The thought of it alone, can be disturbing. Most parents can't imagine that someone, who could be so potentially dangerous, may live somewhere on their block or along the path their child takes to school. However, it is highly likely that there are registered sex offenders in your neighborhood.

Beginning in the mid 1990's legislative actions established guidelines for tracking convicted sex offenders and making such information available as part of a community notification effort. In 1994 the Jacob Wetterling Act began requiring states to register individuals convicted of sex crimes against children. The "Pam Lychner Sexual Offender Tracking and Identification Act of 1996" was enacted by Congress to provide for the nationwide tracking of convicted sexual predators. "Megan's Law" (1996) further served to clarify the public nature of information and authorized the release of relevant information that is necessary to protect the public. Together, these three key pieces of legislation have shaped the structure of sexual registries, nationwide. Today, almost every state maintains a registry of sexual offenders, and makes this information easily accessible via the internet. Some states may not allow online access. However, they will explain, online, the procedure to follow to gain access to their registry.

Currently there are approximately a half of a million registered sex offenders in the United States. They live in cities and towns all across the country. They are in "poor" and "affluent" neighborhoods. And they could be on your block. The twice-convicted pedophile who raped and murdered Megan (Megan's Law) Kanka lived across the street from her home. Every parent should make it a priority to do a quick search to educate themselves about potential risk exposures thatmay be "dangerously" close. It is commonly said that, "What you don't know can hurt you." But more importantly, what you do know can save your life!

As you search the various databases it is important to realize some important issues. Not all databases are complete. Some only have listings for a small time period. Others only list certain types of sex offenses. While these registries represent a noble effort to empower the community with access to information about dangerous individuals that may still pose a threat, they are by nature incomplete. Not all jurisdictions update and maintain them with the same level of commitment. And compliance to maintain them is not known. You must also realize that every "offender" had a first victim and not every offender is caught. Those offenders would not be listed on any registry or criminal database.

The FBI maintains links to the various state's registries. Access their links at: ( http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm ). However, surprisingly it is not the most up-to-date list available. The Klaas Kids site is a good site with extensive details about the types of offenders that appear on the various state's registries. Access their database at: ( http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm ). And a newly updated link list has just been posted at the SafeKidsReport site, at: ( http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm ).

For parents, access to this invaluable information will serve many goals. One, it will help families to identify potential risks in their own neighborhoods. Two, it will encourage parents to initiate defensive behavioral changes that may dramatically protect their children from predators. And third, it will inspire parents to educate their children about the dangers that exist and the safety strategies that will help to protect them from harm.

About The Author

Julie Joyce is the Editor of "Safe Kids Report" - a newsletter dedicated to helping parents protect their kids from a variety of dangers. Parents can access Free Child ID Kits and other free family safety resources, at: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm

house refresh service Lincolnshire ..

In The News:

DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.

Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.

The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.

New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.

Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.

New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.

Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.

Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.

New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.

The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.

San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.

FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.

Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.

Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.

Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.

Scammers are flooding inboxes with fake tracking alerts that mimic real carriers, exploiting the holiday rush to steal logins and personal data.

The Fox News AI Newsletter brings you the latest news on AI technology advancements and the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Texas family reunites with missing 11-year-old cat Grayson after 103 days using Petco Love Lost's AI photo matching technology and community help.

Tired of AI customer service loops? These insider tricks help you escape "frustration AI" and get real human help when you need it most for urgent issues.

Unlock richer audio from your streaming apps with simple tweaks to volume normalization, equalizer settings, and quality preferences for cleaner sound.

Scammers are sending fake Facebook settlement payout emails that mimic legitimate notices from the privacy settlement administrator to deceive users.

Holiday shopping scams surge as fake refund emails target distracted consumers during Black Friday and holiday seasons, costing Americans billions annually.

The AI-powered IRMO M1 exoskeleton features four modes, including turbo, eco, training and rest for hiking, running, cycling and sports with eight-hour battery life.

OpenAI announced upgrades for its ChatGPT Images platform on Tuesday, saying the program can now make more precise edits and produce images more quickly.

How Many Sex Offenders Live On Your Block?

Parenting