Housing Help for my little girl!

samanthalouisetwins

Hi, I am currently trying so hard to get suitable housing for my little girl, Ava, she has quad CP, severe epileptic and is gtube fed. I’ve been challenged by a housing association for 18 months, arguing with me about what we need that’s suitable. We are now at a point where they are forcing me to take a property with smaller adaptations, which isn’t going to be suitable for our family (my twins and I) now, never mind as she grows. My daughters medical team and advocates all agree with me, we’ve had an official report from my daughters OT stating the property as they suggest is unsuitable, but we are being ignored. They now don’t even answer our questions and I’m being sent a letter in the next few days saying I take it as they state or we get nothing. I’m so distraught. Has anyone come across this before? They are saying they meet their housing duty but I’m conscious Ava has rights as she has a disability that are being ignored! People making all the decisions don’t know my daughters

any similar experiences? Anyone managed to succeed and and get suitable accommodation without being challenged by public services? 

Thanks

sam  

Tori_Scope

Hi @samanthalouisetwins Welcome to the community, it's lovely to have you here.

I don't have an answer to your query right now, but I've passed this onto our Specialist Information Officer for CP, @Richard_Scope, who's looking into it for you. 

This comment will also 'bump' your post, which might help other members with experience of this to see your post.  

Richard_Scope

Hi @samanthalouisetwins
The housing association can't ignore medical or OT reports stating that you need a certain type of property suitable for you and your daughter's needs. Particularly, in terms of the extra space being needed for equipment to help you care for your daughter and provide her with a good quality of life.
The housing association have a duty of care to you all.

samanthalouisetwins

Hi Richard , Thankyou, I keep saying this to them and providing evidence and they are still ignoring me. Many other professionals have also got involved and they are now just not responding to me , they say they have their internal OT report (from someone who has never met or assessed my daughter) and that’s acceptable and there’s nothing more I can do  

Richard_Scope

@samanthalouisetwins, have asked to see a copy of the internal OT report? I would also email your local councillors. There's plenty more that can be done. Sadly, you have to fight

samanthalouisetwins

Yes I’ve had a copy of the report and none of it mentions my daughter Ava, just standard procedures, I’ve put a complaint in with PALs as it’s a NHS report and that’s the housing excuse for why they are using it. I’ve gone to the councillor. To two MPS who are both saying they can’t help me at all as they can’t influence. I’m really struggling with getting any legal help either, every solicitor seems to say they are too busy to take in our case. I’m fighting really hard I’m trying, I’ve got complaints with the Housing ombudsman and also the local government ombudsman.. it’s so Tiring!