Urgent: CARE Court Helping Only 2,000 of 12,000 Targeted Californians

UPDATE: New reports confirm that California’s CARE Court, launched by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023, is falling drastically short of its goal to assist 12,000 homeless individuals and those with severe mental health issues. As of May, only around 2,000 referrals have been made to the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court, raising urgent concerns about the program’s effectiveness.

In the Bay Area, local officials report just 439 petitions have been filed across the five largest counties, resulting in only 100 individuals actively participating in the program. This disappointing enrollment has mental health advocates and local officials questioning the program’s strict eligibility requirements and bureaucratic hurdles.

Soo Jung, a director with Santa Clara County’s Behavioral Health Services Department, stated, “Overall in the state, there has been a smaller number than we initially anticipated.” In stark contrast, Alameda County has managed to enroll 27 participants, indicating a disparity in engagement among counties.

Newsom’s office is pushing back against these findings, accusing some counties of “shirking their responsibilities” in implementing CARE Court. Tara Gallegos, Newsom’s Deputy Communications Director, insists, “It’s time for lagging counties to stop making excuses and start delivering the help Californians desperately need.” Notably, Santa Clara County has managed to enroll only two participants, prompting criticism from state officials.

Families affected by the program are expressing frustration. Jennifer Su petitioned for her son to enter Contra Costa County’s CARE Court in January, hoping to secure the help he needs after battles with homelessness and addiction. Despite her efforts, her son has faced multiple arrests and remains unconnected to necessary treatment. “It seems so clear it’s bad for him and it’s bad for society that he is not mandated to get help,” Su lamented.

CARE Court operates by allowing family members, first responders, and health care providers to refer individuals with severe psychiatric issues. If eligible, a personalized treatment plan is developed, but participation is voluntary. Those resistant to treatment may be ordered to follow a “CARE plan,” but they cannot be forced to accept services unless a conservatorship is applied.

Mental health advocates highlight the complexity of the petitioning process as a significant barrier. Many families are overwhelmed by the requirements, which include detailed documentation of a person’s medical history. Moreover, awareness of CARE Court remains low among law enforcement and healthcare personnel.

To address these issues, officials and advocacy groups, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are ramping up outreach efforts to educate potential petitioners about the process. However, as of now, only 99 of the hundreds of petitions submitted in the Bay Area resulted in voluntary “CARE agreements,” and just two led to court-ordered CARE plans.

The staggered rollout of CARE Court across California began in October 2023, with various counties launching at different times. Santa Clara County has faced criticism for establishing only one CARE agreement and one CARE plan from 42 petitions received. Many petitions were dismissed due to stringent eligibility criteria, narrowing the pool of individuals who can enter the program.

In response to the low enrollment numbers, Newsom signed a bill in October aimed at expanding eligibility to include individuals diagnosed with serious bipolar disorder and streamlining the hearing process. However, disability rights advocates argue that the changes may not address the fundamental issues, such as the lack of funding for mental health services and housing.

As families like Su’s continue to struggle, she expresses despair over CARE Court, stating, “I appreciate the efforts CARE Court has made, but their hands are really tied with situations like my son.” The urgency of this situation calls for immediate action to ensure that vulnerable Californians receive the assistance they desperately need.