DNA and paternity testing

DNA and paternity testing | help and info

help and info

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government approved testers

Cellmark Diagnostics
PO Box 265
Abingdon OX14 1YX
Tel: 01235 528000 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm)
E-mail: cellmark@orchid.co.uk
Website: www.cellmark.co.uk
Carries out paternity testing using a simple, painless mouth swab sample. Most tests are completed within five working days. Cellmark is an accredited laboratory and is part of the largest paternity testing organisation in the world. The company's customer services teams can send you a free brochure and arrange testing.

Crucial Genetics
University Department of Neurology
Southern General Hospital
Glasgow G51 4TF
Tel: 0870 88 88 0 88
E-mail: info@crucialgenetics.com
Website: www.crucialgenetics.com/people/index.asp
Crucial Genetics is the commercialised department of The University of Glasgow and one of the UK’s leading DNA research and molecular biology laboratories. They are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and also adhere to the voluntary Code Of Practice for Genetic Paternity Testers in the UK.

The Forensic Science Service's Paternity Analysis Unit
Tel: 0121 607 6948 or 6985 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm)
E-mail: info@fss-paternity.co.uk
Website: http://paternity.forensic.gov.uk
The Forensic Science Service (FSS)’s confidential paternity testing services can be used to resolve disputed paternity and probate issues and to provide evidence of claimed family relationships by those seeking entry rights into the UK. If you would like to arrange a test, contact the FSS on the above number and they will arrange to send you their Paternity Registration forms, price list and information about the tests they perform. Staff in the Paternity Analysis Unit are available to discuss your particular circumstances and give you any advice required.

LGC Diagnostics Limited
Tel: 020 8943 8400 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm)
E-mail: diagnostics@lgc.co.uk
Website: www.lgc.co.uk/wellbeing/
LGC’s Diagnostics Department has provided DNA profiling paternity and relationship testing since 1989. They comply with the voluntary Code Of Practice for Genetic Paternity Testers in the UK and are accredited to ISO 17025. Their client services advisors are available on the above number to give confidential advice and assistance with the sensitive issues surrounding paternity testing or you can go to the website to request an information pack using their secure online form.

organisations

Citizens Advice Bureaux
Myddelton House
115-123 Pentonville Road
London N1 9LZ
Tel: 020 7833 2181 (admin only)
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
CAB volunteers provide free, confidential and independent advice on issues including child support, custody, and paternity testing for people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They can also offer guidance on legal matters concerning cohabiting couples, such as cohabitation contracts and child custody and property rights following separation or death. You can search the CAB website to find your nearest branch.

Citizens Advice Scotland
1st Floor
Spectrum House
2 Powderhall Road
Edinburgh EH7 4GB
Tel: 0131 550 1000
Website: www.cas.org.uk
Provides the same resources and advice as the CAB but for people living in Scotland.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
35-37 Albert Street
Rugby CV21 2SG
Tel: 0870 443 5252 (Mon-Fri, 8.45am-5pm)
E-mail: bacp@bacp.co.uk
Website: www.bacp.co.uk
Can provide a list of private counsellors in your area, plus information on counselling and how to choose a counsellor. Call or send an SAE to the above address. The website also has a directory of counsellors and an extensive publications list.

Child Support Agency
PO Box 55
Brierley Hill
West Midlands DY5 1YL
National Enquiry Line: 08457 133 133 ( Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm, Sat, 8.30am-5pm)
Textphone: 08457 138 924
Website: www.csa.gov.uk
Assesses, collects and pays child support maintenance, ensuring that parents who live apart meet their financial responsibilities to their children. The National Enquiry Line of the Child Support Agency is a national helpline dealing with general queries on any aspect of child maintenance. The website has an extensive list of questions and answers, resources and links. The website also has contact details for its regional offices.

Northern Ireland Child Support Agency
Great Northern Tower
17 Great Victoria Street
Belfast BT2 7AD
Helpline: 0845 713 9896 (for existing scheme cases) 0845 608 022 (for new scheme cases)
E-mail: belfast-Cust-helpline@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.dsdni.gov.uk
Operates the child support scheme in Northern Ireland.

British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF)
Skyline House
200 Union Street
London SE1 0LX
Tel: 020 7593 2000 ( Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
E-mail: mail@baaf.org.uk
Website: www.baaf.org.uk
One of the UK's largest adoption and fostering agencies providing information and organising events nationwide for those concerned with adoption, fostering and child care. BAAF also runs a free agency search service to help you find a suitable adoption agency. The FAQ section has useful information and contacts.

websites

Child Support Agency: 'Disputed parentage and DNA testing'
www.csa.gov.uk/new/leaflets/
Useful guidance on DNA testing and resolving parentage disputes which can be downloaded from the Child Support Agency website or ask for leaflet CSL110.

Code of Practice and Guidance on Genetic Paternity Testing Services (March 2001)
www.dh.gov.uk/...
The Department of Health's practice and guidance on DNA paternity testing can be downloaded here.

Guide to Selecting a Paternity Testing Service
www.privatehealth.co.uk/...
This guide is provided by one of the four government approved testers (see above), but contains some useful points to consider when choosing a paternity testing service.

'Knowledge is bliss' – towards a society without paternity surprises
www.childsupportanalysis.co.uk/...
Essay proposing the idea that within a generation, there should be few children born into a marriage or stable relationship whose paternity would be a surprise to the husband or male partner.

Law on Paternity
www.fnf.org.uk/pater.htm
Article from the pressure group Families Need Fathers on the UK's current paternity laws.

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