A civil order that can be sought by police against an individual who has not been convicted or cautioned of an offence but is nevertheless thought to pose a risk of harm. They prohibit or require someone to do certain things specified on the order, with the purpose of protecting the public from sexual harm.
An SRO may be made in relation to an individual who:
- has done an act of a sexual nature
- as a result of which, there is reasonable cause to believe that it is necessary to make an order to protect the public from harm.
Similarly to SHPOs, when applying for SROs, the guidance states that when they are applied for in relation to children:
- There must be early consultation and participation of YJS.
- 14- to 17-year-olds made subject to civil injunctions in relation to harmful sexual behaviour should be offered appropriate interventions to reduce the harmful behaviour.
- The nature and extent of that support is based on a structured assessment that considers the needs of the young person and the imminent risk.
- The welfare of the child or young person is the paramount consideration, in line with local safeguarding procedures.