Council housing for adopters

[Ioanna86]

Hi everyone,

I am single and have just recently applied to adopt. For the adoption application to be successful it is necessary to have a spare room but it will be really tough for a single person to afford to rent a two bedroom house in London. I read that once you get approved to adopt, you are considered to have the same rights as being a single pregnant woman by the council and you have priority in council housing, is this true? Does anyone have similar experience or know any helpful information on the matter? Thank you so much in advance.

You should really contact your local authority to get advice from them.

Personally I think you will be on shaky ground - SWs and panel will want a permanent address. Even if you do get priority, it might not be two beds as a baby could share with the mum.
But you should talk to your council

It depends on the housing policy of your LA

www.first4adoption.org.uk/adoption-support/priority-housing-for-approved-adopters/

Be aware that single pregnant women aren't a priority in most areas - until they are physically holding a baby they're still just a single person. So being put on an even footing as a single pregnant woman probably isn't anywhere near as helpful as you think.

Also be aware that even a woman who has given birth isn’t automatically entitled to a house/flat, especially a two bed one. The council have a duty just to put a roof over her and the baby’s head. Which could be a b&b, hotel, hostel etc. And being in London, I imagine, makes this even more the case.