CARE Court Faces Scrutiny as Early Data Reveals Gaps in Access to Services
SACRAMENTO – California’s CARE Court, championed by Governor Gavin Newsom as a landmark initiative to address the state’s mental health crisis, is facing questions about its effectiveness as initial data reveals notable numbers of petitions are being dismissed and individuals aren’t receiving needed care. A health services.
CARE Court, established under the CARE Act, aims to provide court-ordered mental health treatment to individuals with severe mental illness who are unable to care for themselves. However, a key reason for dismissal is that individuals are already deemed to be receiving “adequate mental health services.”
In Los Angeles County,43 of 130 petitions were dismissed between December 2023 and February of this year because of this very reason,according to a report from the county’s department of mental health – making it the most common cause for dismissal in the county.
Assemblymember Brian Umberg (D-Santa Cruz) is seeking to address this issue with a proposed bill. Current regulations prevent individuals already enrolled in treatment programs from qualifying for CARE Court, even if thay aren’t “clinically stabilized.” Umberg’s bill woudl clarify that enrollment alone doesn’t equate to stability, hoping to reduce dismissals for those whose mental illness remains unmanaged.
“Currently, someone can’t qualify for CARE Court if they are already ‘clinically stabilized’ in another treatment program,” Umberg explained. “My bill would clarify that just being enrolled in an outside treatment program doesn’t mean someone is stable.”
The bill also aims to streamline referrals to CARE Court from the criminal justice system, allowing judges to directly refer individuals charged with misdemeanors and found incompetent to stand trial.
However, the proposal is facing opposition. Irvine, San Diego County’s behavioral health program coordinator, and the California Behavioral Health Directors Association have voiced concerns. Irvine emphasized the intensive, time-consuming work her staff dedicates to each client – including building rapport over weeks or months, assisting with basic needs, and ultimately persuading them to participate.
“They spend weeks or even months getting to know them, bringing them their favourite foods, and helping with minor tasks, such as getting a new phone, before finaly convincing them to participate in the program,” Irvine said. ”In at least one case, that process took provided that five months.”
San Diego County has reported the most CARE Court graduations to date, with 10 completions. irvine fears expanding the program without additional funding for staff would dilute the quality of care. Umberg’s bill does not currently include provisions for increased funding.
