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Download the Hoarding Behavior for Inspectors - 2010 Slides

GENERAL INFORMATION ON HOARDING BEHAVIOR

Hoarding Pamphlet
  • What is hoarding behavior?
  • How is it different from having too much clutter or collectibles?
  • Why do people hoard things?
  • What is animal hoarding?
  • Why is it a public safety issue?
  • How can a concerned neighbor, friend, or family member intervene?

WHAT IS THE HOARDING TASK FORCE?
  • What is the Hoarding Task Force?
  • Who are the member agencies?
  • What is its mission?
  • How to make a referral?

What is hoarding behavior?

Hoarding is the excessive storage of items in and around a house that interferes with healthy and safe day-to-day use of the house for family or social life. Hoarding occurs when extreme amounts of items like newspapers, magazines, empty containers, old clothing, paper, rotting food, animals, and, sometimes, animal manure, collect inside or around a house.


How is it different from having too much clutter or collectibles?

Hoarding behavior goes beyond such activities, causing problems with odors, fire safety, insects or rodents, and sometimes, the neglect of people or animals. Generally speaking, hoarders are unaware that their lifestyle is a problem and rarely seek treatment.

  1. Is there an imminent safety threat to the occupants associated with the accumulation of items or animals?
    1. Is there a problem with fire exits, structural safety, or immediate danger to the safety of children, adults, elders, or animals?
    2. Is there an accumulation of items that pose a risk for falls or injury?
    3. Is there a problem with emergency access to rooms in the house?
  2. Is there an imminent health, abuse, or neglect threat to the occupants associated with the accumulation of items or animals?
    1. Has the accumulation of items led to a lack of adequate housekeeping?
    2. Is there a problem with insects or rodents?
    3. Is there a problem with odor?
    4. Is there a large accumulation of urine or feces?
    5. Is the occupant unable to adequately care for any adults, elders, children or animals in the house?
  3. Are there conditions that pose a health and safety nuisance to the neighbors, but are not imminently dangerous to the occupant?
    1. Are strong odors associated with feces, urine, or garbage in the house detectable at neighboring properties?
    2. Have insects or rodents moved from the house to neighboring properties?

Why do people hoard things?
    Hoarding behavior has many different causes:
  1. the items are perceived as valuable, even if they are old and damaged
  2. the items provide a sense of security
  3. there is a fear of losing valuable items
  4. the items are a substitute for love not found in other people
  5. there may be a fear of losing valuable personal information
  6. there may be physical limitations and frailties that make cleaning difficult

What is animal hoarding?

Animal hoarding is a type of hoarding that involves the keeping and care of large numbers of animals. Frequently, there are problems with the health of the animals and with the accumulation of waste materials from the animals. Sometimes, the neglect is so severe that it is considered animal cruelty.


Why is hoarding behavior a public safety issue?
    Collecting large amounts of items may:
  1. cause a severe fire hazard in a house that is difficult to suppress
  2. block fire escapes from the house
  3. encourage insects or rodents in the neighborhood
  4. cause unhealthy living conditions in the neighborhood
  5. signal neglect of animals or people
  6. cause building code violations or structural damage
  7. cause sanitation or odor nuisances from garbage, trash, or animal wastes.

How can a concerned neighbor, friend, or family member intervene?

Hoarding behavior is a mental health issue and a public health problem. Usually, the behavior has been occurring for a long time and requires patience and understanding. Frequently, it requires the help of other people and agencies. Neglect or abuse issues associated with elders, children, or animals may require emergency interventions. Code violations resulting from neglect or collection of materials may require emergency actions.

It is not recommended that friends or family members intervene without the cooperation of the hoarder, as this could lead to the development of dangerous behaviors.


What is the Hoarding Task Force

The Clark County Hoarding Task Force was formed in 2005. It combines the resources of many city and county agencies and groups to provide a coordinated response to residential hoarding when it threatens life, safety, and property.

The Hoarding Task Force may be contacted at (937) 390-5600, extension 245


Member Agencies
Adult Protective Services (DJFS – Adult Services)
Child Protective Services (DJFS – Family & Children Services)
City of Springfield Code Enforcement
Clark County Combined Health District
Clark County Humane Society
Clark County Sheriff’s Office
Elderly United
Mental Health Services for Clark County
OSU Extension
Springfield Fire & Rescue
Bethel Township Trustees
Mad River Township Trustees
Springfield Township Trustees


The Mission of the Hoarding Task Force
    To develop a concerted plan to address the:
  1. Needs for elder and child care.
  2. Needs for animal care.
  3. Needs for building and property cleanup.
  4. Needs for building and property improvements.
  5. Needs for correction of fire hazards.
  6. Long-term monitoring of both the physical and mental conditions of the hoarder and any animals remaining in his or her care.
To work together to resolve neglect, abuse, and safety issues associated with hoarding behavior.


How to make a referral

Concerned family members, friends, or neighbors can call the Clark County Hoarding Task Force. Provide a clear, brief description of the problem, giving names, addresses and phone numbers of the persons affected.

 The Hoarding Task Force may be contacted at (937) 390-5600, extension 245