California Expands CARE Court to Enhance Mental Health Services

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law aimed at expanding the CARE Court program, which seeks to improve mental health care for some of the state’s most vulnerable individuals. The legislation, which takes effect on January 1, 2024, amends the original CARE Court framework to include additional individuals suffering from psychosis.

Expanding Eligibility and Improving Access

The original CARE Court, launched in 2023, was designed to create a coordinated approach among courts, mental health services, and housing options for those experiencing severe mental health crises, particularly individuals living on the streets. However, investigations by CalMatters revealed significant gaps in the program’s effectiveness, with fewer participants receiving help than anticipated.

Senate Bill 27, authored by Tom Umberg, a Democratic senator from Santa Ana, broadens the eligibility criteria for CARE Court. Previously, only individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and select psychotic disorders qualified for the program. The new law includes those who experience psychosis due to bipolar disorder, potentially increasing access for a larger segment of the population.

While Umberg believes this change could enhance the reach of CARE Court services, he remains cautious about the scale of impact, stating he does not expect a dramatic increase in participant numbers. For instance, San Diego County estimates that the expansion could increase its CARE Court program participation by anywhere from 3.5% to 48.1%.

Simplifying the Process for Participants

The new legislation also introduces measures to streamline the entry process into CARE Court. By consolidating two preliminary court hearings into one, the law aims to reduce the time individuals must spend in court, thereby decreasing administrative burdens. Additionally, it allows for direct referrals into CARE Court from the criminal justice system for individuals charged with crimes but deemed incompetent to stand trial.

As of late October 2023, California courts had received a total of 3,092 CARE Court petitions. Of these, 684 treatment agreements have been approved, leading to 22 CARE plans being ordered, according to the Judicial Council of California. The Newsom administration had initially projected that between 7,000 and 12,000 Californians would qualify for the program, highlighting the significant gap between expectation and reality.

As the state implements these changes, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the program’s effectiveness and its ability to provide critical support to those in need. The expansion of CARE Court represents a crucial step in California’s ongoing efforts to address mental health challenges and improve the lives of its most vulnerable residents.