Community hoarding task forces: a comparative case study of five task forces in the United States

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Health
• Community Psychology

Background:

• Community task forces have emerged to address hoarding, assisting individuals with severe hoarding behaviors who do not seek help.
• These task forces represent a societal-level intervention for complex cases of hoarding disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the organization, operation, and impact of U.S. hoarding task forces.
• To understand how structural factors influence task force viability and effectiveness.
• To explore emerging practice and policy changes related to hoarding intervention.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative case study methodology involving five diverse U.S. hoarding task forces.
• Data collection included semi-structured interviews, document analysis, small group interviews, and investigator observation.
• Involved perspectives from public and private sector service providers across multiple disciplines.

Main Results:

• Task force viability is significantly impacted by structural factors such as leadership, purpose, funding, and membership.
• Participation in task forces influences practice and policy decisions concerning hoarding intervention.
• Social work professionals can enhance their leadership roles within these multidisciplinary teams.

Conclusions:

• Hoarding task forces serve as crucial mechanisms for improving community policies and interventions for hoarding disorder.
• These task forces demonstrate potential as models for addressing other complex social problems through cross-sector collaboration.
• Strengthening structural elements can improve the effectiveness of hoarding task forces in community settings.