In a bold move to address the ongoing struggles faced by individuals with untreated serious mental illness, San Mateo County is rolling out the CARE Court program on July 1, several months ahead of the state-mandated deadline. As detailed on the county's official website, the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act, championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and enshrined in Senate Bill 1338, is set to bridge the gap between the justice system and mental health treatment in the hopes of curbing homelessness and unnecessary incarceration among those affected by mental health disorders like schizophrenia.

Central to this initiative is creating a CARE Plan, a structured court-moderated regimen that spans up to 24 months, providing comprehensive support, including health services, medication, and housing assistance. This plan prioritizes community-based management, potentially stemming the flow of affected individuals through cycles of homelessness and acute psychiatric treatment. The CARE Court's early implementation by the county reflects a proactive response to a pervasive issue that intertwines public health and social welfare concerns.

According to statements from county officials, CARE Court ushers in a new, person-centric method to mental health crises, backed by a team including public defenders and supporters working along a clinical team to aid clients in recovery and making self-directed care decisions. Dr. Jei Africa, director of County Health's Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, voiced support for the new approach, stating, "The ability to access essential behavioral health services in a community setting versus an institutional one helps clients and their families engage in the treatment while remaining close to their support system."

Enrollment into the state-funded CARE Court program can be initiated by a range of individuals, including family members, health professionals, and the affected persons. The Hon. Susan Jakubowski, the appointed CARE Act Judge, emphasized the readiness and collaborative ethos driving the county's early embrace of CARE Court: "We weren’t required to implement CARE until December 1, 2024, but the stakeholder agencies came together around a clear vision for what we wanted to accomplish.” For further information, involved parties can contact the CARE team or access resources through the CARE Act Resource Center.