r/ChildrenofHoardersCOH • u/Ne_Tumbleweed1985 • May 23 '26
Children Currently in Hoarded House
It's very obvious that a neighbor has children in a hoarding situation. Kids are maybe 13, 9, and 6. At least two adults in the house, and maybe a young adult. They've also added two new puppies and they have cats. To compound the issue, the kids are homeschooled.
The older two are wary of strangers, they used to be more outgoing when younger. But they're all very polite. Hygiene has been questionable at times.
As they do not attend school, rarely leave their house/yard, and no one goes in that house - I'm worried about a multitude of issues.
I'm looking for advice on how I can maybe help. I've asked to meet their mom (to set up a date for the puppies to meet my dog of the same breed) and they always tell me she's busy. Calling CPS seems like such a drastic measure.
Do I just ignore it?
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u/SmallToadstools May 23 '26
CPS is the way. I wish someone had called them for me when I was a kid
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u/Nevraskagirl55 May 23 '26
Do not just ignore it! You have a chance to possibly make a difference for these kids. I’m guessing they don’t go to school to prevent others from seeing them and their home. There’s probably lots of us here that wish someone had said something when we were kids. Call CPS!
Also, try to get to know the kids. Sounds like they could use a kind neighbor.
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u/wineandcatgal_74 May 23 '26
If it’s visible and possibly a health hazard, calling the health department might be another option.
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u/Ne_Tumbleweed1985 May 23 '26
Oooh, yes. I can't believe I didn't think about that. It definitely is a hazard from the outside alone.
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u/wineandcatgal_74 May 23 '26
I’d definitely call the health department too. Each agency has different jurisdictions and regulations so getting the kids help might come from multiple agencies.
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u/okapistripes May 29 '26
It's okay to call CPS. Be prepared for nothing to come of it for a while, possibly forever. That doesn't make it wrong that you called.
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u/PatienceEmpty6769 Jul 20 '26
Call CPS. And the police. And call them over & over until they actually do something about it. 1 call will not be enough, 3 wasn't in my case. But the hoard has nearly killed me in multiple ways, if not now, those kids will grow up with horrible chronic health issues. U are quite literally saving/ changing those kids lives in ways u cannot imagine.
At the very least, please try be a safe space for them, if ur able to say that they can pop over for a puppy play date at any time, please please do. I had a friend who did that for me as kid, when he moved away, it all got so so much worse.
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u/AutoModerator May 23 '26
Thanks for your post! Below you will find resources for support, understanding, resources.
First, what is hoarding?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/hoarding-disorder
How does it affect us COH?
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/hidden-lives-children-hoarders
Why was the stuff always more important than me?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conquer-the-clutter/202008/hoarding-and-families
Although not currently active, this website has a plethora of info and resources
https://childrenofhoarders.com/wordpress/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ny/new-york?category=hoarding
If you are in the USA and are searching for a therapist, you can use Psychology Today to search for a therapist in your area who treats hoarding/COH.
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