A NEW document was launched yesterday in the fight to protect children from paedophiles.

Protecting Children is a joint initiative by Holme House Prison, Stockton, and the NSPCC.

The document, launched by Stockton North MP Frank Cook, provides a blueprint for child protection procedures covering children's visits to prisoners convicted of sexual or violent offences against children.

It also looks ahead to child protection issues raised by offenders' eventual release from prison.

The document covers:

l The prison's procedures for the identification of children who "dangerous offenders" are seeking contact with.

l An assessment process for child visits

l Rules on supervision and oversight of any contact that takes place with a 'dangerous adult'

l Ensures that plans are made in advance of the prisoner's release for protecting the children and managing the offender on his release into the community.

It was written by Patti Summerfield, the NSPCC's children services manager in Tees Valley and prison officer, Ian Carson, who has carried out work monitoring paedophiles in the prison.

Mr Carson said: "Paedophiles tend to be quiet in prison, polite even. They're not the troublemakers damaging buildings and fighting. So it is important we are extra vigilant monitoring what they are doing."

The only youngsters allowed to visit the offender are his own children and that is only if it is deemed to be in the child's best interests.

Before this can happen there are strict safety procedures to go through. When visiting, any children would be supervised by their mother and a prison officer, and in some cases social services.

Ms Summerfield said: "The most important thing about this is it has to be best for the child. More often than not it is important for them to keep in contact with their father and help them to rehabilitate. This document sets out procedures which will help stop them coming to any harm."