County launches new court for mental health help
Program aims to support unhoused individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
– The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department launched CARE Court on Dec. 1, a program established under California’s Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act. The program aims to support unhoused individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
The act, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022, was created to address the need for treatment programs for unhoused individuals experiencing severe mental health conditions. California estimates that up to 12,000 people across the state may qualify for services under the new law.
“We expect petitions to increase as time goes on, but it is a process,” said Dr. Star Graber, director of the County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department. “For someone to enter the program, they need to meet several criteria and then agree to the plan set by the court to begin their treatment.”
Participants in the program must be 18 or older, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder from a licensed clinical professional, and meet specific health and safety criteria. They must also not be currently stabilized or in ongoing voluntary treatment.
The program allows families, first responders, and even individuals themselves to submit petitions to San Luis Obispo Superior Court to request treatment for eligible individuals. Once a judge determines eligibility, the person in need is connected to County Behavioral Health for services that may include treatment, housing, and other forms of support as outlined in a personalized plan, which can last up to 24 months.
“We have not had a service like this before, where families can directly submit petitions to the court and get their loved ones with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders the help they need,” Graber said. “Often individuals with serious mental health conditions are caught between services as they may not agree to voluntary treatment but do not yet meet requirements within conservatorship laws to receive involuntary assistance.
“The court is an opportunity and an answer for concerned loved ones when they tell us, ‘This person needs specialized treatment but needs extra support, compassion, and help to get started.’ We hope that through these petitions and personalized plans, individuals reach their recovery goals and avoid any future homelessness, incarceration, or hospitalizations.”
The San Luis Obispo Superior Court oversees all petitions and proceedings. Petitions can be submitted by family members, law enforcement, first responders, or others familiar with the individual needing assistance. Eligible individuals may also submit a self-petition to seek court-ordered treatment. Once connected to County Behavioral Health, participants receive services under a directed plan tailored to their specific needs.
“The courts play an important role as they continuously monitor the individual’s plan, making sure treatment is carried out and that participants remain on track with their recovery,” said Joshua Woodbury, County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Justice Services Division Manager.
“The judge provides vital direction in creating and adapting a person’s plan as needed. They are there to hear concerns from participants, petitioners, and agency partners throughout treatment, provide oversight, encouragement, and ultimately steer individuals away from preventable hospitalization, conservatorship, or incarceration.”
The court is not a criminal court and is not designed for individuals with all mental health conditions. While a judge can order an eligible person to attend a petition hearing, the court cannot force them to participate in treatment or take medication involuntarily. If a participant chooses not to engage with their plan, they may be scheduled for additional hearings or terminated from the program. In certain cases, the court may use existing laws to ensure the individual’s safety.
Legal information and petitions for the program are available at the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse and online at www.slo.courts.ca.gov. Information about behavioral health treatment options under the act can be found at www.slocounty.ca.gov/CARECourt.
About the CARE Act
The CARE Act, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022, establishes a new process for delivering mental health and substance use disorder services to a specific group of Californians with complex behavioral health needs. The law prioritizes services for people with severe mental health conditions who are often homeless or incarcerated without access to treatment.
The act provides a pathway for individuals to participate in the creation of their own plans, which are implemented by local government agencies, primarily counties. These plans are required by court order and must include behavioral health services, housing, and additional supports that are essential for long-term stability and recovery.
The goal of the act is to divert individuals from more restrictive conservatorships or incarceration and to ensure access to services that promote stability. More information is available at https://care-act.org.
