New website launched to help parents navigate child maintenance

The website was developed by a working group made up of parents with lived experience, One Parent Families Scotland, Fife Gingerbread, Citizens Advice Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Kerry Jones, Child Maintenance Project Coordinator at Fife Gingerbread, said:

“Parents have been at the heart of Child Maintenance Explained from the very beginning. They helped shape the content, influenced how the information is presented and tested the website throughout its development.

“By combining lived experience with the expertise of partner organisations, we’ve created a resource that gives parents clear, accessible information to help them navigate the early stages of their child maintenance journey independently.”

Charlotte, a single parent member of the working group, added:

“We quite quickly found out that both paying parents and receiving parents face the same issues when it comes to child maintenance. Both sides experienced the lack of consistent knowledge and communication, as well as feeling like you need a degree to understand some of the letters [from the Child Maintenance Service].

“Nowhere in this toolkit will it tell you what’s best for your family. It’s just there to give clear, balanced information so families can decide what’s right for them.”

Expanded child maintenance support and advice

Alongside the launch of the website, One Parent Families Scotland, in partnership with Fife Gingerbread, has begun expanding child maintenance support and advice for parents across Scotland, initially through the Lone Parent Helpline.

The service, made possible through funding from the Scottish Government, is currently supporting parents through the early stages of their child maintenance journey. It will be expanded later this year to provide support for parents with more complex child maintenance issues. Further details will be announced ahead of the enhanced service launching.

Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland, said:

“This is an important milestone in improving support for families across Scotland. Child Maintenance Explained reflects years of collaboration with parents and partner organisations and demonstrates what can be achieved when lived experience shapes services from the outset.

“Together with our expanded child maintenance advice service, we’re helping to break down some of the barriers that can prevent families from accessing the information and support they need. At a time when many families are under significant financial pressure, ensuring children receive the financial support they are entitled to can strengthen family finances and help reduce child poverty.”