When Iona's parents first approached Shelter's Bristol Family Service, they were at breaking point. Following a period of homelessness, the family were given a final offer of accommodation from the council. However, despite a formal needs assessment being carried out, Iona's needs had seemingly been completely forgotten about. The property was unsafe and unsuitable.
Iona, aged nine, is autistic and non‑verbal. When dysregulated, she becomes extremely distressed and requires constant supervision to stay safe. Due to her autism, Iona is less aware of danger and required close supervision to keep her safe in the flat. Therefore, the fact that her family were placed into a first floor flat with a balcony and steep stairs leading directly onto a busy main road, presented serious and immediate safety concerns.
While Iona's father worked, her mother was alone caring for her and a baby under one. The layout of the flat made it impossible to safely leave with both children, leaving the family isolated indoors for days at a time. With no safe access to outside space or routine, the family's distress and sense of hopelessness only increased. That's when they approached Shelter's Bristol Family Service.
Iona's needs extend beyond housing. She is unable to attend mainstream school and requires Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. At the time, Iona had been out of education for a year due to delays in her Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, leaving her without the specialist support she needed.
'Her [Iona’s] parents were very motivated to secure educational provision, but delays in the EHCP process meant this took significantly longer than it should have,' Hannah explained.
The family's isolation deepened. The environment within the property was now becoming increasingly hostile. Neighbours were banging on the walls and shouting at the family to control Iona's behaviour. These confrontations left Iona's mother feeling frightened and unsafe, and Iona even more distressed.
Iona's parents worked closely with Hannah to evidence the risks within the property and advocate for their needs to be properly recognised. Shelter's legal team used this evidence to challenge the suitability of the flat, exposing serious failings in the council's assessment.
