These four case studies highlight:
Unsafe and inaccessible accommodation.
Long stays in accommodation intended only for short-term use.
Negative impacts on children's health, development and education.
Mental health pressures on both children and parents.
Lack of coordinated support from public services.
Failure to meet the specific needs of disabled children.
Families feeling ignored, invisible and without a clear route to permanent housing.
Profile: Mother of two disabled children.
Children's needs:
Nine-year-old son with Autism, ADHD and Dyspraxia (awaiting Dyslexia diagnosis)
Four-year-old son with speech and language delay disorder
Situation:
Living in temporary accommodation for over 14 months after requesting council support due to a volatile neighbour.
Initially placed in a hostel.
Challenges:
Not allowed visitors or furniture.
Security guard and monthly checks created an institutional environment.
Reduced socialisation and disrupted family support network.
Hostel ruled unsuitable following a legal suitability review.
Moved to a flat with mould, disrepair and a rusting bathtub.
Key quote:
"It was awful and affected us all; our mental health was just terrible."
Profile: Single mother fleeing domestic violence.
Children's needs:
Two autistic children.
Situation:
Placed in a hotel for eight months despite providing evidence of domestic abuse and her children's disabilities.
Challenges:
No kitchen or laundry facilities.
Forced to rely on sandwiches and takeaways.
Mould throughout the room.
Had to sleep on the floor for five months because the cot was unsuitable for her daughter's needs.
Moved to a second-floor flat with no lift despite daughter's severe mobility restrictions.
Daughter fell through a hole in the floor, requiring emergency care.
Key quote:
"I have nobody to support me. I am all alone."
Profile: Mother of an eight-year-old disabled son.
Child's needs:
Autistic.
Wheelchair user.
Situation:
Living for 18 months in a one-bedroom top-floor flat.
Challenges:
No ramps and no lift.
Narrow doors and poor accessibility.
Limited opportunities to leave the property.
Difficult and slow process for securing adaptations.
Son developing anxiety and becoming isolated.
Unsuitable living conditions disrupting routine and stability.
Key quote:
"I'm worried about my son's safety, because there are no ramps."
Profile: Single mother of three.
Children's needs:
Twin daughters with global developmental delays.
Situation:
Living in temporary accommodation for nine months.
Moved three times during that period.
Challenges:
Repeated moves with little notice.
Family uprooted multiple times.
Lack of stability and routine for children with additional needs.
Constant uncertainty creating significant anxiety.
Inability to personalise accommodation or create a sense of home.
Key quote:
"We have had to move on very short notice, once just with four days' notice."
