San Diego City Wire

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program. The initiative has seen a successful first year, with 64 CARE Agreements currently in place and two graduations celebrated by the CARE Court.

The program is a collaborative effort involving the County’s Behavioral Health Services, Public Defender departments, Superior Court, and other partners. It allows individuals to take an active role in creating their own CARE agreements for mental health treatment and housing support. Eligible adults include those with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.

Families, clinicians, first responders, and others can file a petition with the civil court to connect people aged 18 years and older to court-ordered voluntary treatment if they meet specific health and safety criteria.

"The CARE Act process relies on collaboration and promotes a voluntary, person-centered process," stated officials. The County implemented the CARE Act on October 1, 2023, and by August 7 of this year had already celebrated its first CARE Court graduation.

For more information or inquiries:

County Communications Office

communications@sdcounty.ca.gov

619-595-4633