SERVICE PROVISION COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCES IN THE …

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL IN HOARDING & SQUALOR SERVICE PROVISION

COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCES IN THE HUNTER

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES “It took several years and two court orders before a local council could clean up after an extreme hoarder, only to have the resident start rebuilding her 20-tonne stash of goods”. “Experts say this is a scenario repeated in residences across the state”. “Councils are lobbying for funding as well as better access to services and the development of a kit to help them tackle "extreme hoarding and domestic squalor" and the social and mental health issues that often lead to it”. WE SEE LOCAL NEWSPAPER ARTICLES SUCH AS THIS ALL TOO OFTEN!

CCS Hunter has been operating specialist hoarding and squalor services for clients both under and over 65 since 2009, including programs to support other agencies to better manage hoarding and squalor referrals The collaborative work by dedicated Staff of CCS Hunter H & S team continue to achieve an integrated approach to combat hoarding and squalor by providing services that are;

CLIENT CENTRIC CUSTOMISED CARING & COMPASSIONATE

Usually by the time government agencies and families involve us in incidences of Hoarding and/or Squalor the situation is quite serious. However we remind our stakeholders; • “quick fixes” do not work • Big clean ups can cause emotional distress • It is important to take one step at a time In the Hunter our minor success in challenging this ever increasing social phenomenon is a result of our excellent local collaborations with; Housing NSW PIR DOCS NDIA ADHC ACAT Mental Health Serv. Hunter Health Social Workers Ability Links Benevolent Soc Neami Ability Options Councils Wesley Carries Place Refuge Maroonbaliin Aboriginal Intensive Family Support

Our workers experience ‘Hoarding Disorder’ daily where abnormal excessive collection of items - clothing, newspapers, electrical appliances, food & food packaging, toys, books, furniture, cars, animals etc create an environment so cluttered that it can no longer be used for basic living activities such as cooking, sleeping and showering Our experiences as a result of hoarding and/or squalor; • Mother & 2 children sleeping in a car not able to utilise any part of the home • 73 year old living in the shed without power & water unable to access her dwelling

also caring for 13 cats. • Lady sleeping in a horse float • Affluent client renting alternate accommodation hoarded herself out of her home • Client sought emergency accommodation at refuge • Clients Sleeping on matress in sheds, backyards, storage sheds, caravans often

caring for multiple pets

An increasing number of clients are being referred to CCS from other services due to the effect their living conditions are having on them, their families and/or surrounding community. Some of our clients are living in a state of such severe self neglect and squalor they are presenting enormous challenges to our local; • health professionals • social services • council and environmental health officers • Family & neighbours and themselves

IMPACT OF H & S ON OUR CLIENTS; • Children taken into care • Conflict with family/ friends who are frustrated, concerned, distressed • Relationship strain/conflict • Eviction/homlessness • Social isolation-inability to have family/friends visit, inability to visit

family/friends, children unable to have friends over to play etc • Financial stress • Health/fire risks

Words clients use to describe feelings around hoarding and/or squalor Frustrated Sad Helpless Disappointed Excluded Stressed Anxious Tired Isolated Angry Claustrophobic scared drowning petrified of change

Providing support Often our client agrees that the problem exists and something needs to be done. However, for many (who might be smart, logical, and rational in every other way) deny or minimise the problem. Impact on children We have had to undertake emergency H&S work to alleviate children being taken into care. Children feel embarrassed, secretive, protective, or they may not know any different and many often assuming these learnt behaviours

IN THE HUNTER WE ARE EXPERIENCING A GROWING TREND OF ANIMAL HOARDING Clients are keeping higher‐than‐usual numbers of animals as domestic pets without having the ability to properly care for them. Some recent experiences; • 27 ferrets kept in a caravan without power with the occupant • 13 dogs in a 1 bedroom unit • Approx 37 cats in a small bungalow/yard • 4 horses in a suburban yard Animal hoarding is poorly understood and distressing. RSPCA reports 20,000 animals believed to be kept in ‘hoarding conditions’ in NSW.

Engagement Hardly surprising, clients affected by hoarding and squalor often do not welcome service providers or government agencies into their home Many clients have not allowed close family members or friends into their homes for years and may initially engage in behaviours that stall the intervention process We minimise conflict and obstructionist tactics by considering the behaviour to be the person’s best attempt to protect themselves against uncomfortable or painful feelings and is often their attempt to replace the emptiness of personal loss or response to a significant negative life event with posessions that can be controlled People who feel attacked naturally defend or protect themselves, often by arguing or refusing to communicate, keeping others at a distance. We use our partnerships to work to encourage clients to share their story, diminish their sense of isolation and move from an unhealthy to a balanced approach to attachment This is why a collaborative supporting approach by agencies is imperative!

In the Hunter, service provision to people and their pets affected by hoarding and/or squalor is generally, piecemeal, with pockets of expertise driving the response and coordination This need is increasing since the introduction of the NDIS and the deregulation of all community services Successful and powerful outcomes achieved for our clients is mainly due to the skill and passion of staff and their creatively in overcoming barriers and finding ways to support individuals and provide solutions

Different approaches are required for different individuals.

The benefit of assistance is so vastly varied. ‘one size fits all’ approach will NEVER work! A key factors influencing the ability to engage with people affected by H & S is the relationship built with service providers. Our rapport is built through alleviating the fears inherent in the person affected by hoarding and squalor, a flexible, respectful and persistent presence is required which may take a considerable amount of time. Many agencies do not have the resources to invest the time required to build these rapports.

We will now hear from 3 Collaborators that have achieved some degree of success in the Hunter region It is my pleasure to introduce to you today; • Jo Walton Catholic Community Services Snr Coordinator of H & S &

NDIS & Aged Care Packages

• Lynelda Rowe - Customer Service Manager Housing NSW Hunter Region

• Travis Borg - Social Worker and NDIS Provider