Child Maintenance support and resources

Date: 10th July 2026
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Illustration shows three children at the table as their dad serves dinner.

Two new resources from the Transforming Child Maintenance project aim to improve information and support for families across Scotland.

New Child Maintenance Advice and Support Service

The new service, led by One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) in partnership with Fife Gingerbread, provides free, confidential child maintenance advice through the OPFS Lone Parent Helpline.

The service currently offers support for parents with non-complex child maintenance enquiries. From autumn 2026, dedicated Child Maintenance Project Officers will also provide more in-depth support for parents dealing with complex cases.

OPFS Lone Parent Helpline

Child Maintenance Explained

A second major development is the launch of Child Maintenance Explained, a new website designed to help parents understand their options and navigate the child maintenance system with confidence.

Developed with parents who have lived experience of the child maintenance system, alongside Fife Gingerbread, One Parent Families Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and the Department for Work and Pensions, the website provides clear, accessible guidance on how child maintenance works and the choices available to families.

Visit: www.childmaintenanceexplained.org.uk