How to Use Megan's Law

Legislation know as Megan’s Law was passed to help communities protect children from dangerous sexual offenders. The law requires sex offenders to register with local officials in order to notify the community of their presence. Since many sexual predators are repeat offenders, Megan's Law enables parents and communities to protect children from possible predators living in the neighborhood.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Find out your state’s requirements. Each state has different community notification laws. For example, some communities may only be notified about sex offenders that have committed violent sexual crimes.
2. Use the Internet to search for offenders in your neighborhood. Many states have websites that provide a map detailing the locations of registered sex offenders living in your zip code.
3. Read all the information provided on the website. Details should include the types of crimes the person committed. You may want to know if the offender committed crimes against young children or had sex with an underage person.
4. Keep your children away from a sex offender’s residence.
5. Screen any applicants that will be working directly with children by taking advantage of Megan’s Law. If you run a daycare, school or youth facility, you can use the legislation to ensure that the people you are hire are not registered sex offenders.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use Megan’s Law to harass or threaten the registered sex offender. You must never take the law into your own hands.
• Keep in mind that some of the information on a state’s notification website may be outdated or inaccurate.