Task Force Details

Orange County Hoarding Task Force
Orange, California , USA
County:Orange
Primary Service Area(s): Orange County, California, since September 2005.

Website: http://www.mhaoc.org/hoarding

Mission Statement: A collaborative effort to effectively impact hoarding. 

More Info:

The Orange County Task Force on Hoarding (OCTFH) is a volunteer, advisory group that meets monthly to review existing residential hoarding situations that affect the health and safety of individuals in Orange County.
 
As such, the Task Force itself does not provide direct services for hoarding behavior but is comprised of representatives of agencies and programs that often are able to help.  Organizations that encounter hoarding situations are encouraged to bring challenging cases to the monthly task force meeting for review (confidentiality rules apply) with the goal of identifying strategies, developing plans and locating resources that may help bring about a positive outcome for all involved.

The OCTFH also aims to reduce stigma of hoarding disorder within our community and improve the knowledge and skills of service providers who work with people who hoard.  To that end, the OCTFH has to date produced four "Summits on Hoarding" in Orange County, educating over 1,000 health, mental health, protective service, code enforcement, fire and law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and others professions.  Members of the task force also participate in regional conferences providing workshops and information to service providers and the public.  Members also conduct small group presentions and lectures to local groups and at area institutions of higher learning.  The task force, through its association with the Mental Health Association of Orange County and other partipating agencies, mentors graduate social work students and graduate students in gerontology.

Participants in the Orange County Task Force on Hoarding include:

•Protective Service Workers
•Animal Control Officials
•Senior Service Providers
•Code Enforcement Officials
•Vector Control Officers
•Health and Mental Health Professionals
•Fire Department Representatives
•Housing Representatives
•Professional Organizers & Cleaning Companies
•Consumers & Family Members
 
Individuals who encounter hoarding situations in Orange County, California, are encouraged to call Orange County Adult Protective Services (800 451-5155) or Orange County Mental Health Older Adult Services (714-972-3700) for consultation and possible referral for assessment and services.