What is a Hoarding Task Force?
A hoarding task force is a collaboration between public and private agencies with the goal of assisting those in hoarding situations. Hoarding task forces developed in order to confront out of control hoarding situations in communities and to treat hoarders a long side of hoarding therapists to help lead them down a road to recovery.
Hoarding has received an increase in attention over the years, especially due to media exposure. As knowledge and awareness of hoarding expands, the methods to address the situations have to expand as well. Some communities are taking action to increase awareness and improve methods of treatment, and the collaboration of the general public, private businesses, non-profits, and even government departments can lead to a change for the better for hoarders and their loved ones.
Where to Find Hoarding Support:
National Hoarding Support:
- Clutterers Anonymous (CLA)
- National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI)
- International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF)
Hoarding task forces have a well-rounded knowledge of hoarding disorder and can help you approach recovery holistically. Generally, monthly meetings are held and are kept open to anyone who is interested in attending, private and public alike. During such meetings, discussions can include methodologies to better handle hoarding cases, education on the condition, sources of treatment, existing residential hoarding situations, as well as other pertinent topics.
Some Participants Involved in Hoarding Task Forces May Include:
- Your Local Fire Department
- Your Local Police Department
- Your Code Enforcement Department
- Your Adult/Child Protective Services
- Your Behavioral Health Department
- Your Animal Control Department
- Professional Organizing Service
- Professional Hoarding Cleanup Service
- Mental & Physical Health Professionals
- Family Members
In addition to understanding the signs, causes, and dangers of the hoarding condition, hoarding task forces also seek to develop and maximize resources that can be utilized within treatment and education processes. By increasing awareness and understanding, these coalitions hope to breed compassion for the people involved in hoarding situations rather than contempt. With the involvement of hoarding task forces, proper treatment and response to hoarding situations may increase, and rather than temporarily suppressing a hoarding issue, the unhealthy hoarding behavior can be permanently subdued, providing a healthier, happier life for the people involved.
Address Our Mess provides hoarding cleanup services, if you are interested in learning more then give us a call 410-589-2747, use our Contact Us page, or email info@addressourmess.com.