Mental Health
Families Express Disappointment in California's New Mental Health Court System
California introduced a new mental health court system known as CARE Court, initiated by Governor Gavin Newsom. This initiative, signed into law in October 2021, is designed to assist individuals with severe mental health conditions who are difficult to treat. The program's rollout is anticipated to be completed by December 2024, with an initial projection of 12,000 eligible individuals. However, by October 2023, only 3,092 petitions had been received, and almost half of these were dismissed.
Initial Intent and Implementation
The CARE Court system was created to provide necessary housing and services to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The initiative was initially met with support from families who saw it as a beacon of hope for their loved ones struggling with mental health issues. By October 2023, 706 CARE plans and agreements had been established, and Judge Melissa O’Connell had begun meeting with participants to oversee progress. Participants reported improvements such as stable housing or job interviews.
Despite these developments, families began expressing concerns over unmet expectations and implementation challenges. Critics of the program have described it as providing "false hope," as some loved ones continue to cycle between jail and homelessness. Furthermore, some individuals have been dropped from treatment plans, and counties have reportedly lost track of them.
Challenges Facing the System
One of the significant challenges the CARE Court system faces is dealing with anosognosia, a condition where individuals are unable to recognize their own mental health disorder. This issue complicates treatment, as individuals may not seek or accept help. California's existing laws, like the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act passed in 1967, establish strict criteria for involuntary treatment with imperative civil rights protections. These laws sometimes make it difficult for families to secure life-saving treatment for their loved ones.
Families report a sense of frustration as their loved ones cycle between institutions without receiving the necessary support.
One family recounted their experience with the system. After learning about the assisted outpatient treatment program in a class for families of individuals with mental illness, they found their son unconscious in a parking lot. This led to the first CARE Court hearing on February 7, 2024, where their son was placed in a 180-day inpatient treatment program after doctors advised immediate intervention. However, the family still faced challenges in ensuring consistent care and support.
Feedback and Calls for Improvement
Families have voiced their disappointment over the current state of the CARE Court system, highlighting gaps between expectations and outcomes. They have called for better support and more effective solutions to prevent their loved ones from falling through the cracks. Gigi Crowder, a representative of family members' frustrations, acknowledges the pain experienced by families seeking help through the system.
Judge O’Connell, aware of these challenges, continues to work with families and individuals in the program to improve outcomes. Ongoing discussions focus on refining the mental health services offered through CARE Court and addressing the implementation challenges reported by families.
Critics argue that without significant changes, the system may continue to offer little more than "false hope" to struggling families.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
The introduction of CARE Court was a significant step for California in addressing mental health crises within the state. However, the feedback from families underscores the need for enhancements to the program to meet its intended goals. As the rollout continues, stakeholders are encouraged to consider the experiences and recommendations of those directly affected by the system.
Families and mental health advocates hope that ongoing discussions will lead to tangible improvements, ensuring that the CARE Court system provides effective support for individuals with severe mental health conditions. The emphasis remains on bridging the gap between the program's initial promise and the reality experienced by families across California.