Staying in women refuge with SEN child

[Jay16ea]

I’m currently in a women refuge with my child. How long does it take to get housing? Does having a child with special needs improve your chances of getting housing faster?

Does your child have a sw or support worker who could help advocate for you both?

It will depend on your area - your child’s needs - it can help unless they have specific needs , supporting evidence can help .

I was around 10 months to get housing.

Because you're in a refuge you get priority anyway so you'll be very high up on the list already.

While you're there they can help you put support into place for when you move, speak to the support workers there and see what services and help you can get in your area.

I went into temporary accommodation with two DC both with autism - August 2022, by early December we had a new forever home and were treated with such kindness. Keep them updated, let them know if you’re struggling, they see genuine cases differently. You will be high priority and probably be housed off list meaning that they will allocate a property to you rather than bid. Take all the help and advice they and other support networks give! This time will pass, trust the process and take care of yourself. x