A new report by LGA South Australia has found there is an urgent need for more mental health resources to properly address hoarding and domestic squalor issues in local communities.
The LGA’s Hoarding and Squalor Study revealed councils across South Australia are collectively spending close to $2 million every year on staff time to handle hoarding and squalor cases, with more spent on waste clean-up fees.
LGA South Australia President, Mayor Dean Johnson said while reported cases of hoarding and squalor state-wide remained relatively stable over the past three years, there had been a year-on-year increase in metropolitan Adelaide, highlighting a growing need for action.
“The LGA’s Hoarding and Squalor Study surveyed councils across the state to compare South Australia to other states and review existing gaps in support services – from this we’ve formed recommendations about the steps needed to tackle the issues,” Mayor Johnson said.
“What the study has made clear is that greater multi-agency and government coordination is needed to address hoarding and squalor matters in South Australian communities, as most cases are inadequately resourced to address the root cause of the issue.
“Hoarding is a recognised mental health disorder which can be extremely complex and can often be a precursor to a person’s residence ending up in a state of squalor – and that can pose health risks to both the individual and neighbouring properties.
“Often, it’s council Environment Health Officers who respond to hoarding and squalor matters, yet in many cases these staff aren’t equipped with the specialised mental health training needed to work through the underlying trauma with the resident that may be contributing to their behaviour.
“Adding to this challenge is the fact there are gaps in mental health and psychosocial support services, meaning there isn’t always suitable referral pathways councils can use to get individuals the help they need to make long-term behavioural changes.
“So, while councils can work with residents to clean-up a property and restore its liveability and appearance for a brief time, without the resources or support networks to properly address the associated mental health element, we often see squalor return over time – and this has been reflected in the survey data.”
Of the 783 reported investigations of hoarding and squalor carried out by South Australian councils between 2021 and 2023, almost half (49.4%) relate to a repeat instance.
Mayor Johnson said the Hoarding and Squalor Study made several recommendations requiring cross-government action to begin addressing the shortfalls in responding to hoarding and squalor cases, leading to better outcomes for residents and communities.
“The feedback from councils tells us conversations are needed between local and state government about how we can work more closely together to tackle hoarding and squalor issues,” Mayor Johnson said.
“Particularly in metropolitan Adelaide, we’ve seen the number of reported hoarding and squalor investigations go from 189 to 198 and then 220 over the past three years.
“While this isn’t a significant increase, it does show an uptick that warrants attention, particularly given the time it takes to resolve these complaints is also increasing.
“We know hoarding and squalor are known risk factors for homelessness and given the current cost of living challenges is another clear reason for action.
“LGA welcomes discussions with the State Government on how we can work together to implement the recommendations in the Hoarding and Squalor Study and start giving council staff the resources and training needed to address cases safely, compassionately and create lasting behavioural change.”
The LGA’s Hoarding and Squalor Study used data provided by 37 South Australian councils, who provided feedback about their experiences dealing with instances of hoarding and squalor in their communities.
Hoarding and Squalor Study – key recommendations:
- Seek a review of SA Health’s ‘Foot in the door’ guideline, which is over 10 years old;
- Secure ongoing funding for the coordination of an inter-agency Hoarding and Squalor Network;
- Ensure trained mental health practitioners are available to help South Australian councils create long-term, effective support programs for people with serious hoarding tendencies;
- Mental health awareness training for local government Environmental Health Officers;
- Explore the need for standardised Work Health and Safety guidelines for site visits and property cleanups;
- Work with SA Health to scope a standardised data reporting process to better track the issue.
