An alternative mental health court aimed at compelling treatment for people with severe mental illness has received over 100 petitions since its launch in seven California counties in October, state officials announced on Friday. The program, known as “CARE Court,” is expected to eventually serve between 7,000 and 12,000 individuals statewide. Recently, Los Angeles County became the latest and largest county to implement the program.
Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, expressed optimism about the early results, noting that the number of referrals reflects the limited eligibility criteria thus far. To qualify for the program, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have schizophrenia or a related disorder. Severe depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction alone do not meet the eligibility requirements.
The initiative, created by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, is part of a comprehensive effort to combat the homelessness crisis in California. It empowers family members and first responders to file a petition on behalf of an adult they believe is at risk of self-harm or harm to others due to rapidly deteriorating mental health. The court reviews each petition to determine eligibility and offers a voluntary plan that includes housing, medication, counseling, and other social services. If all parties cannot agree on a plan, the court can order them to work on one.
While some petitions have entered the court process and are developing their care plans, others are still under review, according to Ghaly. It has been reported that some cases have been dismissed. Lawmakers hope that the program will provide much-needed assistance to people with severe mental illnesses, many of whom are homeless, and help them reintegrate into society. California currently has over 171,000 homeless individuals, accounting for approximately 30% of the nation’s homeless population.
However, critics have raised concerns about the program, fearing that it may be ineffective and coercive in nature. They worry that individuals could be forced into treatment against their will. The administration did not provide specific data on the number of petitions submitted in each county.
Implementation of the CARE Court program varies across different counties. For example, San Diego County is integrating CARE Court with its conservatorship system to divert individuals away from conservatorships, while Orange County is relocating the mental health court from traditional courtrooms to community spaces.
Representatives from Disability Rights California, a nonprofit organization that sued the state over concerns of potential violations of due process and equal protection rights, expressed their reservations about the rushed implementation of CARE Court. They emphasized the need for community engagement and careful consideration.
Governor Newsom has been actively working to reform California’s mental health system. In October, he signed a law expanding the definition of “gravely disabled” to include individuals who are unable to meet their basic needs due to untreated mental illness or substance abuse. This change makes it easier for authorities to compel treatment. Newsom has also proposed a plan to overhaul how counties fund mental and behavioral health programs and is seeking $6.3 billion in funding for 10,000 new mental health treatment beds. The proposal will be put before voters in the upcoming March election.
Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more politics content by subscribing to our newsletter.
