California's comprehensive approach to addressing severe mental health issues takes a significant stride forward as the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court program opens in all 58 counties statewide, the program's roots stretching back to its initial launches beginning in October 2023, as reported by the Governor's Office. Offering societal lifelines to those grappling with untreated or undertreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, CARE Court aims to provide these individuals with necessary treatment and housing—fundamental resources for their path towards stability and wellness.
The phased-in rollout, which saw its inception last year, has since welcomed the likes of Los Angeles County in December 2023, and most recently, Kern County as of October 2024 rendering the support system fully operational across California, according to an announcement by Governor Gavin Newsom, who heralded the "early achievements from this innovative new model" and conveyed his eagerness "to see even more successes for our most seriously ill Californians." In a notable highlight, San Diego County celebrated its first CARE Court graduation in August, a testament to the initiative's traction in changing lives, and a video of the ceremony is available for public viewing.
Key figures across the state, including CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson and city leaders like Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg underscore the program's potential for transformation, echoing sentiments about CARE Court's role in building relationships and trust as well as providing a legal framework to elevate assistance efforts. Secretary Johnson noted that having all counties onboard signifies a "new pathway to safety and wellbeing for Californians with some of the most complex behavioral health needs." Meanwhile, early results, as cited from preliminary data, show over 1,400 individuals connected to CARE Courts or related services, California embracing a shift towards a more compassionate handling of its most vulnerable populations.
