The CARE Act:
A Structured Pathway to Stability
CARE helps break the cycle of hospitalization, homelessness, and incarceration by coordinating treatment, housing, and accountability for people with severe untreated mental illness.
It is a compassionate, structured path to stability and living a fuller life—focused on dignity and voluntary engagement. It is part of the continuum of California’s behavioral health system.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, text or call 988 for support. It’s available 24/7, and is free and confidential.
Why CARE Was Created
Too many Californians living with severe psychotic disorders cycle repeatedly through:
- Emergency rooms
- Homelessness
- Incarceration
- Short-term crisis responses
CARE establishes a voluntary civil court pathway focused on dignity, accountability, and long-term engagement.
What Makes CARE Different
CARE courts are civil, not criminal. Participants are supported by:
- Behavioral health professionals
- Legal representation, like public defenders
- A CARE judge
- Coordinated service providers
The model centers individual rights while requiring system accountability.
Early Signs Of Progress
Across counties implementing CARE:
- Cross-system coordination is improving
- Outreach efforts are expanding
- Individuals are stabilizing with treatment and housing support
- Diversions to other services are occurring—ensuring that regardless of whether CARE is the right pathway, there is a pathway to services for people who need it.
CARE fills a critical gap in California’s behavioral health continuum.