Self-Neglect and Hoarding Policy

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board's Self-Neglect and Hoarding Policy provides a multi-agency framework for supporting adults who are experiencing self-neglect or hoarding behaviours. The policy promotes a person-centred, trauma-informed approach that balances an individual's right to make their own choices with the responsibility of agencies to prevent harm and promote wellbeing.

The guidance helps practitioners identify and respond to self-neglect and hoarding, assess risk, and determine when safeguarding duties under the Care Act 2014 may apply. It emphasises the importance of professional curiosity, relationship-based practice, mental capacity considerations, and collaborative working with adults, families and partner organisations.

The policy also sets out expectations for information sharing, risk management, multi-agency working and ongoing engagement, recognising that adults may decline support and that services should continue to seek opportunities to reduce harm and improve outcomes.

Overall, the policy aims to promote early intervention, prevent serious harm, and support adults to live as safely and independently as possible while respecting their rights, wishes and individual circumstances.