Severe domestic squalor

In recent years, severe domestic squalor and compulsive hoarding have received national and international attention. There has been a growing appreciation of the complexities involved in each case and the difficulties presented when aiming to achieve successful, sustainable outcomes. It is important to take a holistic approach when resolving cases of severe domestic squalor, including addressing the underlying cause rather than just the symptom (the squalor).

SA Health has developed a policy and guideline to support effective and sustainable interventions in individual cases of severe domestic squalor.

South Australian Public Health Severe Domestic Squalor Policy and Guideline

To support effective and sustainable interventions in individual cases of severe domestic squalor, the guideline A Foot in the Door: Stepping towards solutions to resolve incidents of severe domestic squalor in South Australia (PDF 942KB) has been developed.

The Guideline is supported by the South Australian Public Health (Severe Domestic Squalor) Policy 2013 (PDF 247KB) (Gazette 19 August 13 page 3856) which has been created under Section 53 of the South Australian Public Health Act 2011.

Aims of the Guideline and Policy  

The primary aim of the Guideline and Policy is to support local government environmental health officers in dealing with cases of severe domestic squalor, and to provide guidance on the application of the South Australian Public Health Act 2011.

The Guideline also aims to assist other agencies in the management of incidents of severe domestic squalor through the promotion of a collaborative framework which aims to achieve better outcomes for individuals and families living in severe domestic squalor.

Self guided presentation

SA Health has developed a self guided presentation (PPT 1828KB) that:

  • summarises aspects of the 'Foot in the Door' Guideline
  • contains additional information on things to consider when resolving cases of severe domestic squalor
  • can be used as a training and induction resource.

Support services

A list of support services are available on the Severe domestic squalor for Environmental Health Officers page

Further information on the Guideline and Policy

For further information please email HealthProtectionPrograms@sa.gov.au