Losing Support

This study, based on interviews with 54 lone mothers receiving means-tested benefits across England and Scotland, reveals the effects of the Child Support Act on lone mothers and their children. The research highlights the act's failure to benefit those most vulnerable, some of whom are materially and emotionally worse off as a result of Child Support Agency intervention. In addition, the agency's failure to follow its own guidelines, combined with administrative delays, have resulted in families suffering further. The book contains a series of recommendations for the Child Support Agency.