San Diego County steps forward in implementing a transformative solution to address the needs of individuals with severe mental impairments, particularly those living with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Compassionately named the Community Assistance, Recovery & Empowerment Act (CARE Act) program, this fresh approach is set to launch on October 1, according to a County News Center article.
San Diego County is among the select few pilot counties in California, collaborating with the Superior Court, the Public Defender, legal advocacy, contracted service providers, and community partners to ensure a comprehensive and effective implementation of the CARE Act program. Family members, behavioral health providers, first responders, and other approved petitioners can initiate referrals to the program.
It is important to note that the CARE Act program is designed primarily as a voluntary treatment program for adults aged 18 years and older, focusing on mental health support and not as a solution to homelessness. The program is, however, one of many County initiatives aimed at improving the overall mental health landscape.
San Diego County anticipates investing between $15 million to $20 million during the first year of the CARE Act program, catering to an estimated 1,000 people. Approximately a quarter of these individuals are expected to qualify and transition to confirmed cases, while others will be directed towards pre-existing behavioral health support programs, mentioned the County News Center.
The CARE Act, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 14, lays the foundation of a civil court petition process aimed at connecting adults to voluntary treatment programs if they meet specific criteria and would benefit from the program. The Superior Court's role is critical, as it makes the initial determination, guiding the investigation and proceedings within a 14-day window.
Upon the establishment of a case backed by the Superior Court, a CARE Plan was collaboratively developed by the County Behavioral Health Services (BHS), the petitioned individual, and their respective attorney. If accepted by the Superior Court, the program would engage community-based providers and BHS to actively connect the individual to a range of services that include behavioral health treatment, stabilization medication, housing, and other necessary support, as stated by the County News Center.
With a program participation duration of 12 months, the CARE Act program allows for flexibility in extensions, depending on individual circumstances. Completing the program successfully ensures ongoing treatment and support services for the individuals involved, thus enabling long-term recovery and seamless reintegration into society.
San Diego County joins hands with Glenn, Orange, Riverside, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and the City and County of San Francisco as the earlier adopters of the CARE Act program. Los Angeles County is scheduled to initiate the program by December 1, while the remaining Californian counties are mandated to follow suit in the subsequent year.
