Yolo County has launched its Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act, which began on December 1. The program is designed to offer community-based behavioral health services to individuals with serious mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and psychotic disorders. The goal is to provide support to help prevent more extreme measures, like conservatorships or hospitalizations, according to the Yolo County.
"Providing more accessible mental health services in our community continues to be one of our top priorities," Lucas Frerichs, Chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement. The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act aims to quickly connect individuals to services that can improve their quality of life and support independence. The act allows family members, healthcare providers, and first responders to petition the civil court to establish a Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment plan, either voluntarily or through a court order, as stated by the Yolo County.
The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment plans in Yolo County offer treatment, housing, and community resources for individuals in need, with a duration of one year and the option for a one-year extension. The process for filing a Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act petition is straightforward, with submissions accepted in person at 1000 Main Street in Woodland, by mail, or electronically via the county’s website. The Yolo County Self-Help Center, located on the second floor of the courthouse, provides additional support for filing. Karleen Jakowski, Yolo County Mental Health Director, said, "Navigating the mental health system can be overwhelming for individuals and their families. Through the CARE Act, we aim to be a guiding resource for those in need." Full details are available on the county’s website.
