Sources of support
Child Support Agency http://www.csa.gov.uk
The key government site on all of the issues associated with child support. Contains sections on paternity issues. Will not support testing where the mother is not involved.
Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.org.uk
Investigates complaints referred by Members of Parliament about your case.
Northern Ireland Child Support Agency http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/csa.htm
A separate Child Support Agency which operates the child support scheme in Northern Ireland.
Department for work and pensions http://www.dwp.gov.uk/
The Department is responsible for delivering support and advice through a modern network of services to people of working age, employers, pensioners, families and children and disabled people.
Independent Case Examiner (ICE) http://infd-case-exam.org.uk/
The Independent Case Examiner acts as an impartial referee who investigates complaints about maladministration and how the Child Support Agency has handled your case.
Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
The HMRC web site features news and information on tax and national insurance matters in the United Kingdom including Tax Credits
The Pension Service http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/
Information for those planning ahead, approaching retirement or already retired.
Commission for Racial Equality http://www.cre.gov.uk/
The commission for Racial Equality of publically funded, non-governmental body sat up under the Race Relations Act 1976 to tackle racial discrimination and promote racial equality.
Action for Prisoners’ Families http://www.prisonersfamilieshelpline.org.uk
Prisoners' Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003. The helpline can provide information and support to anyone with a relative or friend in prison anywhere in England and Wales. They can tell you about visiting and keeping in touch, how the prison system works, talking to children and many more issues that come up. Prisoners' Families Helpline can also offer non-judgmental support and a listening ear.
Cancer Master http://www.cancermaster.com/
A valuable Cancer Directory and information Resource.
Childcarelink http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp
Childcarelink helpline and website aims to help people back into the workplace by removing the childcare barrier.
Childrens Legal Centre Email: CLC@essex.ac.uk
This organisation provides free advice and information to parents involved in education and contact disputes:
University of Essex,
Wivenhoe Park,
Colchester,
Essex,
CO4 3SQ
Tel: 01206 872466 (Admin)
01206 873820 (Advice)
01206 873935 (Contactline)
Fax: 01206 874026
Children 1st http://children1st.org.uk/
Provides support for stressed families in Scotland.
Citizens Advice Bureaux http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Provides free, independent advice on many matters including paternity testing.
Dawson Cornwell Solicitors http://www.dawsoncornwell.co.uk/
Dawson Cornwell is a specialist family law firm with an esteemed dedicated children department
Tel: 020 7242 2556
Daycare Trust http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/
Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable childcare for all children aged 0 - 14. They offer information and advice to parents and carers, childcare providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues.
Family Meditation Scotland http://www.relationships-scotland.org.uk/
Family mediation is a voluntary process which gives parents who are separating or living apart the opportunity to make their own arrangements for their children's future. Reaching agreement through mediation can avoid lengthy negotiation through solicitors or disputes in the courts.
Family Rights Group http://www.frg.org.uk/
Advice and support if you are involved with the social services.
Maternity Alliance http://www.maternityalliance.org.uk/
Support during pregnancy and parents to be.
National Council for One Parent Families http://www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk/
This service runs an information service for lone parents, other organizations, local authorities and the media. It also campaigns and lobbies to change the law and improve the provisions for lone parent families.
Lone parents can ring the helpline on:
0800 018 5026.
National Council for One Parent Families,
255 Kentish town Road,
London NW5 2LX
e-mail: info@oneparentfamilies.org.uk
National Debtline http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/
National Debtline is a national telephone helpline for people with debt problems in England, Wales and Scotland. We give expert advice over the telephone and by email and send callers in debt a self-help information pack free of charge. The service is free, confidential and independent. Freephone 0808 808 4000. Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 9pm Saturday 9.30am to 1pm 24 hour voicemail service or e-mail advice@nationaldebtline.co.uk
National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations (NCVCCO) http://ncvcco.org/
NCVCCO is the umbrella organisation for voluntary child care organisations in England to ensure the well being and safeguarding of children by promoting the voluntary sector's contribution to the provision of services.
Membership includes over 100 charitable organisations ranging from large national groups to small family centres, investing between them over £400 million each year to improve the quality of life for children, families and their communities.
NCVCCO provides information as publications and briefings, consultations to members on child care and family issues and representation of members views to central, regional and local government.
NCVCCO
Unit 4 Pride Court
80-82 White Lion Street
London
N1 9PF
Tel: 020 7833 3319
Fax: 020 7833 8637
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/
The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is the UK's leading charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. They have been directly involved in protecting children and campaigning on their behalf since 1884.
One parent Families Scotland http://www.opfs.org.uk/
Representations for lone parents.
Parents Advice Centre (Northern Ireland) http://www.parentsadvicecentre.org/
Support and advice for parents.
Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.org.uk
Investigates complaints referred by Members of Parliament about your case.
Parentline Plus http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk
A charitable organisation which helps all parents, actual stepparents, grandparents and foster parents.
Relate http://www.relate.org.uk/
There are 112 local Relate centres which provide counselling for those with relationship problems.
Relate
Herbert Gray College
Little Church Street
Rugby
Warwicks
CV21 3AP
Tel: 01788 573241 0870 6012121 (Counselling service)
Fax: 01788 535007
Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org.uk/
24hour support if you are at the end of your tether. For support phone 08457 90 90 90 (UK) 1850 60 90 90 (ROI) or e-mail jo@samaritans.org. With Samaritans, you get the time and the space to find a way through.
Shelter http://www.shelter.org.uk/
Shelter is a national organisation working to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people.
Women’s Aid Federation of England http://www.womensaid.org.uk/
Women's Aid is the national charity which promotes the protection of women and children experiencing domestic violence.
With such an important issue as to who is the father of a child, it is important that you know where to go for information, advice, personal and family support. We provide below a list of independent bodies which may be able to help you. This list is not exhaustive and of course, you may be able to find others.
Families Need Fathers http://www.fnf.org.uk/
Families Need Fathers is chiefly concerned with the problems of maintaining a child's relationship with both parents during and after family breakdown. Contacts and branches throughout the country.
Helpline: 0870 760 7496 (between 6pm and 10pm Monday to Friday)