The safety of a child should always be prioritized. When there's a case of sexual abuse involving a minor, the child's safety should be prioritized, regardless of the offender's wish or right as a parent.
Decisions regarding access to that child should always prioritize that child's safety and not the parental right. This shouldn't only be the responsibility of one parent, but also the responsibility of the society and court.
Being a biological parent of a child, doesn't always guarantee the safety of the child around you. If there's a history of sexual abuse, then there should be caution, regardless of the fact that the child belongs to them biologically. The visit of such a person around children should be under supervision. Restrictions around people who commit such a crime amongst children should be very effective, to avoid endangering them.
An offender who completed prison terms only fulfilled a legal punishment and that doesn't mean it's safe enough for kids to stay around them, because they could still possess a pattern of predatory behaviors regardless of the fact that they were punished.
There's a lot of risk, if they are sexually attracted to a child, the punishment doesn't take away that feeling/ urge. To me, they are risk and threat to kids. Before keeping kids around them, there should be protective rules for the sake of the child.
The post traumatic experience,these children go through after being abused is enough reason to be careful around individuals who have offended sex crimes with minors. Victims of these crimes suffer depression, anxiety, difficulty associating with others, lack of trust for people and many other traumas.
The pain and effects could last for a long time if they aren't given proper therapy. I believe it's necessary to safeguard kids from risk, they shouldn't expose themselves to harm because they need to connect with a biological parent. A cautious approach is very necessary for the protection of a child's physical, emotional and mental well being.
After serving in prison and facing a legal punishment, I still can't give a pedophile/ predator unrestricted access. The access to children will be restricted, and I will apply a lot of caution to protect children.
Before access is even given to offenders , certain criteria like an assessment by mental health professional, a child welfare expert and family court will be involved to avoid more patterns of predatory behavior towards children.
The society has always limited parental rights when a parent is considered a threat to a child's safety, just like the way they restrict drug addicted parents from being close to their children. In a case involving sexual crimes against minors, the child's right to protection should be prioritized over the parent's desire for a relationship or whatever.
To reduce potential risk or harm to the child, I believe it's fair enough that there should be a supervised visit between the parent and the child. If the severity of the case is really extreme and endangering, such parent shouldn't be given access to the child.
Children remain the most vulnerable in our society and they deserve to be protected by the society at large, that's our responsibility to protect these kids from potential harms in their families and outside the family structure. I believe the safety of our children must always be considered first and prioritized at all costs.
