Case study

Sharon is a 28 year old and has been served an eviction notice for the 4 bedroom house she is currently renting for herself and her 7 children. The house is damp and generally in a poor condition. Sharon says she has constant difficulties trying to get the landlord to attend to problems. When you enter, there is a faint smell of gas. Sharon says she's reported it, but says it's currently OK. compared to what it has been, as she's keeping the windows open. The house has 1 toilet which has leaked for several weeks. Neither issue has been addressed by the landlord.

You notice that there is no fireguard around the gas fire in the main room. In the corner of the kitchen there are 2 cages, 1 with gerbils in and 1 with a guinea pig in. A cat sits on the chair. The animals appear well looked after.

During your visit 4 children are inside the house. Only 3 of the 5 school age children are in school. James aged 4, spends all of the time on the sofa wrapped in stained, uncovered duvet. He appears to be sleeping. Sharon says his cough has kept him up all night and he is having a rest. Henry watches television during the visit and doesn’t appear to notice you or respond to your greetings or comments. Sharon tells you he's always like that and she just ignores him. As she speaks she ruffles his hair which generates a smile, but no eye contact. Sharon tells you that Henry won’t go to school because James is unwell and that, 'it's always been this way'.

Emily and Charlotte come in and out of the room. Emily holds her arms up to be picked up and asks for food. On one occasion she is upset because Charlotte has her toy. Both are wearing nappies which look very full of urine and smell strongly. You don't hear either Emily or Charlotte form complete sentences during the visit.

Sharon tells you that her boyfriend Steve, wants to move in more permanently, rather than just staying over at weekends. She is worried about her benefits claim if he does. He’s insisting they have a baby. She's not keen as there's no room in this house for another child. Sharon is also frustrated that it's impossible for her and Steve to go out with all the children together. She is also worried about what might happen if his pet tarantula escapes.