Guidelines for field staff to assist people living in ... - Housing NSW

SECTION 9: ConclusionsThe key points contained in these Guidelines can be summarised as follows:• Severe domestic squalor may develop in the homes of young, middle-aged andolder people.• The perception of squalor may be affected by the cultural perspectives of both theperson and the field staff.• Language/communication and/or cultural barriers may be impediments to gainingthe trust and cooperation of a person living in squalor.• The evidence suggests that half to two-thirds of all persons living in squalor sufferfrom one or more mental disorders.• When assisting people living in severe domestic squalor, it is important tounderstand the factors that have led to the squalor situation, and how to assesswhat needs to be done. Field workers need to be flexible in their approach butconscious of the statutory role of authorities such as the police, local council andDoCS.• The impact of squalor on the person, his/her family and the community should beassessed.• Following assessment of the person living in severe domestic squalor, urgentintervention may be required. In such cases, authorities (such as local councils)may invoke powers that are contrary to a resident’s choice.• In cases where the squalor is not assessed to be extreme or of risk to the residentor neighbours, referral to other agencies may not need to be immediate, butshould aim to prevent future problems arising.• Where more than one agency is involved, information needs to be shared toenable a coordinated approach. In these cases all agencies need to be mindful ofprivacy considerations.• There is a high risk of recurrence of severe domestic squalor, even when cleaninghas been successfully completed and there is a substantial improvement to theperson’s living conditions. Therefore, ongoing follow up of involved persons ishighly recommended.27