Becoming a lone parent
Resources for lone parents about the issues surrounding having a baby.
Arrangements for children factsheet
This factsheet details parental responsibilities and rights in Scotland.
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Bereavement factsheet
This factsheet gives a summary of the financial support available when a husband, wife, or civil partner dies. It also includes a list of support organisations and a short reading list.
Downloads
Lone Fathers (parents with care & non-resident parents)
Information about parental responsibilities & rights.
Parental responsibilities are what children have the right to expect from their parents and what parents must do for their children. Parental rights help parents meet their parental responsibilities. The law states that you should ask your children what they think about major decisions that effect them.
Maternity rights factsheet
This factsheet covers maternity rights at work and benefits you are entitled to if you are not working. It also looks at legal issues for unmarried parents. Maternity rights are complicated, and this factsheet gives only a brief outline.
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Money factsheet
This factsheet gives details of help with money and benefits for lone parents who are not working, or are working less than 16 hours per week.
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Downloads
Short benefits guide
Information on benefits and funding available for lone parents, carers and individuals affected by disability or long-term illness.
Trusts for individual and family needs
Details of trusts which provide funds for individual and family needs based on specific criteria.
Please ensure you meet the criteria of the Trust Fund to which you are applying. Most applications need to be made by a third party such as a social worker, GP, minister, health visitor or someone in a similar position or profession.
Useful addresses factsheet
A list of useful organisations and agencies for lone parents.
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Downloads
Young Parents Survival Guide Scotland
Key information and useful advice for young parents, covering a whole range of topics from when you first suspect you're pregnant to coping with raising your child.
Links:
Action for Sick Children Scotland and ‘Young Parents Speak Out’ DVD
Action for Sick Children Scotland’s Child Health Rights Project in Tayside has produced a DVD ‘Young Parents Speak Out’. The DVD is primarily aimed at Tayside young parents, although is relevant to all young parents.
It seeks to support young parents in appropriate access to healthcare services for themselves and their babies, informing them about their (and their babies’) healthcare rights and responsibilities. The DVD also features young parents talking about issues such as attendance at ante-natal classes and their relationships with healthcare professionals such as midwives and health visitors. There are messages for young parents but also for healthcare practitioners, making it suitable for use as a staff training resource for those who work with young parents, either in a healthcare capacity or social context.
Play Talk Read
Playing, Talking and Reading with your child can give them a great start in life. The website has lots of play ideas for you and your wee one. You can also meet new friends, get free stuff, win baby goodies, share photos and videos and find out about free events in your area. Have even more fun from day one with Play Talk Read!