The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act represents a significant shift in how California addresses severe mental illness. It establishes a compassionate civil court framework designed to provide individuals with clinically appropriate, community-based services and supports that are culturally and linguistically sensitive. This innovative approach aims to offer a supportive pathway to recovery, especially for those who might otherwise face more restrictive interventions. But how can one access this program? This guide will walk you through understanding and applying for the CARE Act program.
Understanding the CARE Act and its Goals
The CARE Act is not intended for everyone experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges. It specifically focuses on individuals with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders who meet particular criteria. The program is designed as an “upstream diversion,” intervening before individuals become subject to conservatorship or incarceration. Evidence indicates that many individuals can stabilize and recover in less restrictive, community-based settings when provided with the right support.
The CARE Act acknowledges advancements in treatment models, including longer-acting antipsychotic medications, and emphasizes the importance of a dedicated clinical team and stable housing. For many, housing is a critical component of a successful CARE plan, recognizing the difficulty of achieving stability and engaging with treatment while experiencing homelessness.
The ultimate goal of CARE is to connect individuals suffering from severe mental illness with effective treatment and support, guiding them toward long-term recovery and wellness. It aims to support self-sufficiency by ensuring participants receive coordinated services tailored to their individual needs.
Who Can Apply and Initiate the CARE Process?
The CARE process begins with a petition to the court. A notable aspect of the CARE Act is the broad range of individuals who can initiate this process. Petitions can be filed by:
- Care providers
- Family members
- First responders
- Other individuals as specified in the CARE Act
This inclusive approach recognizes that various people in an individual’s life may be aware of their needs and be motivated to help them access the CARE program.
Key Components of the CARE Plan
Once a petition is filed and accepted, a CARE plan is developed. This plan is individualized and can initially last up to 12 months, with the possibility of a 12-month extension if necessary. It encompasses a wide array of essential services, including:
- Short-term stabilization medications
- Wellness and recovery supports
- Connection to social services, such as housing
Housing is often a vital element of CARE plans, providing a stable foundation for individuals to engage with treatment and support services effectively.
Participants in the CARE program are also provided with crucial support systems:
- Legal Counsel: Participants receive legal representation to ensure their rights are protected throughout the CARE process.
- Voluntary Supporter: If desired, participants can choose a supporter to assist them in understanding decisions, communicating their needs, and making self-directed choices to the greatest extent possible.
- Clinical Team: A dedicated clinical team is assigned to each participant to coordinate and deliver the necessary treatment and support services.
Furthermore, the creation of a Psychiatric Advance Directive is facilitated to empower participants by allowing them to legally document their treatment preferences in advance of any potential future mental health crisis.
Accountability and Follow-Up
Accountability is a two-way street within the CARE Act framework. While participants are expected to engage with their CARE plan, local governments are also held responsible for providing the necessary care. The CARE Act leverages existing funding streams available to counties for behavioral health care to ensure resources are available. It also prioritizes CARE Court participants for bridge housing programs.
If a participant is unable to successfully complete their CARE plan despite receiving the outlined services and supports, this may be considered in subsequent hearings under the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act within six months of the CARE plan’s termination. This ensures that individuals who require more intensive intervention can be appropriately supported. Conversely, if local governments fail to meet their responsibilities in providing services as ordered by the court, sanctions can be imposed to ensure that individuals receive the care they need.
In Conclusion
The CARE Act program offers a promising pathway to recovery for individuals with severe mental illness in California. By understanding the eligibility criteria, the petition process, and the comprehensive support provided through CARE plans, individuals, families, and care providers can take informed steps to access this valuable program. The CARE Act’s focus on community-based care, individualized support, and accountability aims to create a more compassionate and effective system for those in need, paving the way for sustained wellness and recovery.
