San Diego County’s Behavioral Health Services and Public Defender departments, Superior Court, and other partners are celebrating an inspiring milestone for the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program (better known as CARE Court): On Aug. 7, CARE Court held its first graduation ceremony.
The CARE Act gives individuals, including those with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, the opportunity to participate in creating their own CARE agreement for mental health and housing support. Families, clinicians, first responders, and others can petition the civil court to connect adults to court-ordered voluntary treatment if they meet criteria related to health and safety. The collaborative process ensures a person-centered approach that considers individuals’ needs. The county implemented the CARE Act on Oct. 1, 2023, and recently enrolled its 50th participant — more than all other California counties combined.