CARE Court implementation information to be released by the state

Resources include an implementation webinar on Dec. 19 and a CARE Court listserv.

The first cohort of counties responsible for implementing the first-of-its-kind Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court program convened earlier this month, marking an important first step in the program’s roll-out. Following the meeting, several government agencies began releasing related information and guidance to inform stakeholders of the implementation process.

The League of California Cities adopted a support position for the CARE Court program legislation after securing several critical amendments to the bill, including a phased-in approach to implementation. The program will connect unsheltered Californians experiencing the most acute mental health challenges with comprehensive treatment and housing.

The phase-in provisions require the counties of Glenn, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and the City and County of San Francisco to implement the program by October 2023. The remaining 51 counties must implement the program by December 2024.

After the initial convening, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), the California Department of Health Care Services, and the Judicial Council of California announced a Dec. 19 webinar, which will include an overview of the program, important updates on implementation activities, and a discussion of frequently asked questions. A recording of the webinar will be available on the CalHHS website and an email announcement will be sent to relevant stakeholders.

Additionally, CalHHS will establish a CARE Act Working Group in early 2023 with representatives from a wide variety of networks, including disability rights organizations, families, racial equity advocates, housing and homelessness stakeholders, behavioral health providers, associations, and others.

More information about the working group, implementation, and other stakeholder events will be shared via the CalHHS CARE listserv. To join the listserv, email CAREAct@chhs.ca.gov.

For any other questions regarding the CARE Court program, please contact Legislative Affairs Lobbyist Caroline Cirrincione.