About this page
This page explains:
- The Child Protection Register (the Register, Sex Offenders Register or CPR), and
- Child Protection Prohibition Orders (CPPO or CPO).
It tells you what these are, what your responsibilities are, and where to get help.
What is the Child Protection Register?
The NSW Child Protection Register is a list kept by NSW Police. It includes people who have been convicted of certain offences against children.
These offences are called registrable offences under the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000 (NSW). They are grouped into two classes:
- Class 1 offences – the most serious, such as:
- sexual offences against a child
- making child abuse material, and
- kidnapping, manslaughter or murder of a child.
- Class 2 offences – other sexual or violent offences, such as:
- indecent assault
- grooming, and
- accessing child abuse material.
If you are convicted of one of these offences, you will automatically be placed on the Register. You cannot appeal this – it is required by law. The only way to avoid being on the Register is to successfully appeal the conviction itself.
What happens if you are on the Register?
You will receive a list of conditions. These usually include:
- reporting to police, and
- keeping your personal details up to date.
You must follow these conditions. If you do not, you can be charged with a criminal offence.
Your name and details may stay on the Register permanently, even after your reporting period ends.
You should speak to a lawyer to ensure you understand the conditions.
Reporting requirements
If you are on the Register, you must report to police for a set time:
- Class 2 offences: 8 years
- Class 1 offences: 15 years
- Repeat offenders: For life
If you were under 18 when sentenced, your reporting time may be shorter.
You must tell police:
- your address
- where you work
- your phone number, and
- any other details they ask for.
Police can visit your home or car to check your details. They can also look at your electronic devices (like your phone or computer). They do not need to give you notice.
Police can do this twice a year. They can make extra visits if:
- a senior officer approves it, and
- they suspect you have committed a new offence.
It is part of your reporting obligations to cooperate with police when they check you.
You must report any changes to your details. Even if nothing changes, you must confirm your details every year.
If you do not report or give false information, you could be fined or sent to prison for up to 5 years.
If the law changes, the police might give you new documents about the Register. It is important you check any documents the police give you. Speak to a lawyer if you are not sure what the documents mean.
Mistakes on the Register
In the past, NSW Police have made mistakes about who should be on the Register and how long they should report.
If you think there is a mistake, speak to a lawyer. Some people have been charged for failing to report when they should not have been on the Register. A lawyer can check if you should be on the Register and for how long.
If NSW Police have made a mistake by putting you on the Register, a lawyer will be able to help you understand your rights and what you can do.
To find out more or to see if you are eligible to get help from a Legal Aid NSW lawyer, contact LawAccess NSW – see the How do I get legal help? section.
Child Protection Prohibition Orders (CPPO)
A CPPO is a court order under the Child Protection (Offenders Prohibition Orders) Act 2004 (NSW). A CPPO stops or limits activities that you are allowed to do. These are called conditions. Police can apply for a CPPO against:
- someone on the Register, or
- someone who is not on the Register but may pose a risk to children.
A CPPO can:
- be short-term or long-term
- be made at any time, even after your reporting period ends, and
- add extra conditions, such as stopping you from contacting anyone under 18.
If you break a CPPO, you can be charged and face up to 5 years in prison.
Unlike the Register, you can contest a CPPO or appeal it. If police apply for a CPPO against you, get legal advice immediately.
If a CPPO was made without you knowing, you may still be able to challenge it.
If you already have a CPPO, a lawyer can help you to appeal it, contest or change it. Time limits may apply, (usually 28 days after the order has been made, although you may ask to vary or revoke the order at any time).
Do I need a lawyer?
Contact a lawyer if:
How do I get legal help?
LawAccess NSW is a free information service run by Legal Aid NSW. Anyone who has a legal problem in NSW can contact LawAccess NSW for legal help.
Start a web chat or call 1300 888 529 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Downloads
You can download this page as a PDF in English. You can also view it in Easy Read format (PDF, 1.3MB).
Updated December 2025