CARE Court Enrollment Falls Short; Only 100 Participants in Bay Area

UPDATE: California’s CARE Court program is struggling to meet its ambitious goals, with only 100 participants in the Bay Area despite an initial target of 12,000 individuals expected to receive help. Launched in 2023, the program aimed to assist homeless residents and those with severe mental illnesses, but recent data reveals significant shortfalls in enrollment.

As of May, only 2,000 individuals statewide have been referred to the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court, raising urgent concerns about its effectiveness. In the Bay Area specifically, local officials reported 439 referral petitions filed across five counties, yet fewer than 100 people are actively participating.

Local health officials and mental health advocates are pointing to several factors responsible for the slow rollout. They cite strict eligibility requirements, complicated bureaucratic processes, and a lack of awareness about how to navigate the referral system. “Overall in the state, there has been a smaller number than we initially anticipated,” stated Soo Jung, director of Santa Clara County’s Behavioral Health Services Department.

In response, Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a statement urging counties to take responsibility for the program’s success. His Deputy Communications Director, Tara Gallegos, criticized some counties, particularly Santa Clara, for their low enrollment numbers. Santa Clara County has only registered two participants, while Alameda County has seen 27 participants, with 23 more agreeing to enroll.

Families of those in the program are increasingly frustrated with its limitations. For instance, Jennifer Su petitioned for her son to enter the Contra Costa County CARE Court in January. After months of hoping for positive change, her son has faced multiple arrests and prolonged jail time, highlighting the challenges of getting individuals to accept treatment.

“I didn’t think we would be in this situation,” Su expressed. “It seems so clear it’s bad for him and it’s bad for society that he is not mandated to get help.” The program allows for voluntary participation, but those who refuse treatment can be referred for a conservatorship, potentially leading to involuntary care.

Mental health advocates note that many families feel overwhelmed by the petitioning process, which requires detailed documentation of a person’s medical history. The lack of awareness about CARE Court’s existence further complicates the situation. To address this, outreach and training sessions are being held by organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help families understand the system.

Despite the numerous petitions filed—only 99 resulted in voluntary CARE agreements as of last month, while just two led to court-ordered care plans. The staggered rollout of CARE Court across the state has also contributed to the confusion, with different counties adopting the program at various times.

In an effort to improve enrollment, Newsom signed a bill in October to broaden eligibility to individuals diagnosed with serious bipolar disorder and streamline the hearing process. However, some disability rights advocates are concerned that this expansion could occur without adequate funding for the necessary mental health services and housing.

As families continue to navigate this complex system, many are losing hope. “I appreciate the efforts CARE Court has made, but their hands are really tied with situations like my son,” Su lamented, expressing her desire for her son to receive care that could restore his former self as a caring and talented individual.

The developments around CARE Court underscore an urgent need for systemic change in how California addresses mental health and homelessness. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as the state grapples with how best to support its most vulnerable residents.