Supporting Severe Hoarding Cases with Referrals to Relevant Healthcare Such As Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns support for severe hoarding cases through cross-agency efforts and healthcare referrals, as raised by Dr Hamid Razak. Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the formation of the New Environment Action Team (NEAT) to strengthen upstream identification and case coordination. Agencies like the Housing Development Board now refer at-risk residents to the Agency for Integrated Care and the Institute of Mental Health. These referrals facilitate mental health assessments and psychosocial interventions, moving beyond reactive enforcement of health and safety regulations. Community and volunteer groups complement these efforts by befriending families and assisting with the decluttering of hoarded units in a sustainable manner.
Transcript
81 Dr Hamid Razak asked the Minister for National Development (a) how are severe hoarding cases on the Government's watchlist being supported through cross-agency efforts including referral pathways to healthcare interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy; and (b) whether there are plans to strengthen such linkages for affected individuals and their families.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Earlier this year, the Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Social and Family Development and partners from the public, private and people sectors came together to form an Alliance for Action (AfA), called the New Environment Action Team (NEAT). NEAT members include the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and frontline agencies trained to identify and refer persons with mental health needs for appropriate social support and healthcare interventions.
Previously, Government agencies would intervene after a hoarding situation breaches public health, safety or other regulations. With NEAT, Government agencies, medical professionals and other frontliners work even more closely upstream to identify at-risk cases, strengthen case coordination and intervene in a more timely, holistic and sustainable manner.
For example, the Housing Development Board, grassroots leaders and social service agencies can refer at-risk residents to their local Community Intervention Teams, AIC and, if necessary, IMH, for mental health assessments and psychosocial intervention. In parallel, community and volunteer groups can help declutter hoarded units and befriend hoarders and their families, to better support them.