In 1996 Megan's Law began to require convicted sex offenders to register with the government. Their names, addresses, and "risk of reoffense" are all available for public knowledge.

A new website, MapSexOffenders.com, has made this information even easier to find by creating maps by neighborhood of registered sex offenders. They use a Google Map mash-up to show the names and addresses of convicted sexual predators, by zip code or address. Every parent will want to check this.

• MapSexOffenders.com
• More About New York State's Mega's Law
• New York State Sex Offender Registry