CARE Court Fails to Enroll Expected 12,000 Californians; Urgent Reform Needed

URGENT UPDATE: California’s CARE Court is falling drastically short of its ambitious goals, with only 2,000 individuals referred out of an anticipated 12,000 since its launch in 2023. As of May, local officials report that just 100 people are actively participating in the program across the Bay Area, raising serious concerns about its effectiveness and accessibility.

The Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court was designed to connect homeless individuals and those with severe mental illnesses to treatment. However, as the program struggles with stringent eligibility requirements and bureaucratic hurdles, many families are left feeling hopeless. In the Bay Area alone, only 439 referral petitions have been filed, resulting in a mere 99 voluntary agreements and only two court-ordered CARE plans.

Officials attribute the slow rollout to a combination of complex processes and a lack of awareness surrounding the program. “Overall in the state, there has been a smaller number than we initially anticipated,” said Soo Jung, director of Santa Clara County’s Behavioral Health Services Department.

In a pointed statement, Tara Gallegos, Deputy Communications Director for Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized certain counties for not fully engaging with CARE Court, specifically singling out Santa Clara County, which has enrolled just two participants. In contrast, Alameda County has a total of 27 CARE Court participants.

Families impacted by the program express frustration with its limitations. Jennifer Su, whose son was referred to Contra Costa County’s CARE Court in January, shared her disillusionment after witnessing his continued struggles with homelessness and addiction. “It seems so clear it’s bad for him and it’s bad for society that he is not mandated to get help,” she stated.

CARE Court allows family members and first responders to refer individuals with untreated psychiatric issues. If accepted, a judge collaborates with the individual to create a tailored treatment plan. Despite the intentions, many participants resist treatment, leading to a troubling reality where only a fraction of those referred are engaged in meaningful support.

With October 2023 marking a pivotal month for the program, the state is taking steps to broaden eligibility criteria, now including individuals diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder. However, mental health advocates warn that expanding eligibility without increased funding for support services could backfire.

The urgency for reform is palpable as families like Su’s continue to face challenges navigating the system. As officials clash over the program’s execution, many are left questioning whether CARE Court can truly fulfill its promise of providing necessary care to vulnerable populations.

Mental health advocates are also working to increase awareness and simplify the petitioning process, recognizing the hurdles faced by families trying to access the system. But as the number of successful enrollments remains dismally low, the need for immediate action is evident.

As California grapples with this crisis, the fate of thousands of individuals in need hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for improved mental health solutions statewide. Families and advocates alike are calling for a reevaluation of CARE Court to ensure it becomes a viable path to recovery rather than a bureaucratic obstacle.