San Diego City Wire

San Diego County's Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program marks its first year with notable achievements. The county reports 71 CARE agreements and two program graduations, leading the state in results. Launched last October as one of seven pilot counties in California, San Diego has doubled the number of CARE agreements compared to the other six participating counties.

Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas commented on the program's impact: “Today the County of San Diego’s CARE Act program has been a major success. Talk about policy making a difference in people’s quality of life.” She praised both participants and the team supporting them.

The voluntary initiative is designed for individuals aged 18 and older diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. It aims to provide an alternative treatment path, significantly reducing reliance on crisis services among participants.

Desirae Sanders, County Deputy Public Defender and Supervisor of the Mental Health Unit, noted positive feedback from clients: “They want to continue to see us to tell us how well they’re doing... We’ve had two graduates who have moved out of state and called to say I am doing so great thank you so much.”

Since inception, over 200 petitions have been received by courts, more than half initiated by family members seeking care connections for loved ones. Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of County Behavioral Health Services, highlighted collaboration as key to success: “The success of this pilot program is due to the excellence of the personnel... coming together to create processes that work and change lives.”

While not specifically targeting unsheltered populations, over half of CARE agreements involve individuals who were unhoused at filing time; more than 80% are now housed. The first graduation under San Diego’s CARE Court occurred in August.

The CARE Act empowers individuals in creating their mental health treatment plans through court-ordered voluntary treatment if specific criteria are met. Services include case management, housing assistance, vocational services, psychiatry, medication management, and peer support.