Stanislaus County is one of the first seven counties in California to implement the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act, a state law to help those with mental health disorders gain access to treatment.

The CARE Act includes a new civil court process that provides community-based behavioral health services to residents who are living with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. While participation in the program is voluntary, it will provide another tool to engage those who are not currently seeking care.

CARE Court allows for a wide range of individuals who can directly submit a petition for an assessment and treatment for a client or loved one that is living with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. This will remove barriers to care and allows first responders, family members, roommates, and behavioral health providers, among others, to directly petition the court. Many people who would benefit from help may not recognize that they need it. CARE Court goes upstream prior to more restrictive conservatorships or incarceration.

“The CARE Act is one of several efforts underway in Stanislaus County to get individuals that are homeless and suffering from undertreated mental illness connected to the treatment that will save their lives. It’s a piece of the puzzle that we have known to be missing for years. We are grateful to be able to have this option in our County,” said District 3 County Supervisor Terry Withrow.

If the person subject to the petition meets the qualification threshold, the Court will oversee the development of a CARE Plan for each individual that includes mental health treatment, housing and other supportive services. The CARE Plan or voluntary agreement is developed for a 12-month period, with an extension if needed, and the Care Court judge will provide consistent oversight.

The CARE Act was passed in 2022 and over the last several months, Stanislaus County and the Superior Court have worked together to prepare for implementation. Stanislaus Superior Court is now ready to accept its first CARE Court petition.

For more information on how to file a petition to CARE Court for a client or a loved one, visit the Stanislaus County and Superior Court CARE Act websites: Stanislaus County CARE Act website; Superior Court CARE Act website.