Santa Clara County on Dec. 2 launched its new “CARE Court” process, a 24-month program that offers support for people facing mental health challenges and are at risk of becoming embroiled in the criminal court system.
Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court provides an individual facing an untreated psychotic-type disorder with a care plan for up to two years under the support and supervision of a civil court, says a press release from the county.
The CARE Court, which was created by the state CARE Act, aims to “prevent institutionalization or incarceration for individuals with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders” who are eligible for its program, says the county’s website.
A care team from the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department oversees and coordinates services, including behavioral health treatment, support services, stabilization medication and a housing plan, says the press release. Each individual has access to a public defender and advocate to help guide their care decisions and clinical team.
“CARE Courts are where people can start fresh—to find stability, heal and rebuild their lives within supportive, community-based settings. This long-term strategy transforms the lives of people in need and strengthens the entire community,” said BHSD Director Sherri Terao.
Under the CARE Act, a judge decides whether the person meets the criteria and is eligible for services, county staff said. A family member, clinician, first responder or other qualified party can file a CARE Act petition directly with the court.
In Santa Clara County, there is also an option to make a CARE outreach referral to Behavioral Health Services, allowing referred individuals to engage in services and avoiding the court process, says the press release. All counties in the state will take part in CARE Court.
“CARE Court intends to focus on residents who are experiencing homelessness, have intersected with law enforcement, and are living with significant, often complex behavioral health needs,” Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg said, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. “The key to the success of CARE is that each person’s plan is tailored to their specific needs, preserves individual agency and ensures connections to resources that will support sustainable recovery.
“Our goal will always be to guide eligible clients to embrace treatment voluntarily, and we must make the necessary investments in relationships and trust-building to accomplish that critical goal. Our residents are watching, and we must get this right.”
In Santa Clara County, CARE Outreach referrals to BHSD and CARE petitions to the court will be accepted starting Dec. 2.
The county has created a CARE Outreach and Engagement team that allows people to engage in services and avoid CARE court proceedings, the press release continues. The information gathered through the CARE Outreach process can be used to support a CARE Act petition.
People can reach the CARE Outreach team at 1.800.704.0900 (option #3) or email CA**********@hh*.org.
More information is available on the Behavioral Health Services Department’s CARE Court website: https://tinyurl.com/fufnk5t9.
