California’s new mental health initiative, known as CARE Court, aims to provide structured support and treatment for individuals experiencing severe mental illness. Launched by Governor Gavin Newsom two years ago, the program seeks to offer court-supervised treatment plans that help families navigate the complexities of mental health issues. As families engage with the program, their experiences reveal both the potential benefits and challenges inherent in this ambitious initiative.
Real-life Experiences of CARE Court
Many families have shared their journeys through CARE Court, highlighting the program’s impact on their loved ones. For instance, in a harrowing situation last summer, June Dudas received a distressing text from her 84-year-old aunt, who was hiding from her son, Ed, outside her home in San Diego. Ed, once a gentle person, had been struggling with psychosis, leading Dudas to seek help through CARE Court. Unfortunately, after his initial assessment, Ed declined assistance and the case was dismissed by a judge. “I felt so defeated for my cousin,” Dudas remarked, describing the ongoing struggle her family faced.
Another participant, known as J.M., faced homelessness in Oakland when outreach workers intervened. He was living under an awning, unable to walk due to an injury. J.M. experienced a temporary stay in a psychiatric hospital before being transitioned to hotel accommodations through CARE Court. He expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s been pretty good. Life’s treating me pretty good.” His journey illustrates how immediate intervention can foster stability.
For Mary Peters, navigating her sister’s mental health struggles became a daunting task until she discovered CARE Court. Peters was managing the care of both her sister and their father, who has dementia. After filing a petition on her sister’s behalf in October 2023, Peters witnessed a remarkable turnaround. The CARE Court team facilitated her sister’s entry into a sober living facility, providing the support Peters desperately needed. “Without the CARE team, it would have been impossible for me to do this,” she said.
Challenges and Limitations
While many have benefitted from CARE Court, others have encountered significant obstacles. Antonio Hernandez became aware of the program through promotional materials, eager for his sister, who has schizophrenia, to receive help. However, he faced delays in the application process, which left his sister vulnerable and ultimately resulted in her eviction from her living situation. “You have to be at your worst for them to help,” he noted, expressing concern over the lack of timely interventions.
Another individual, identified as C.M., reflected on her life before CARE Court. After experiencing episodes of psychosis that led to job loss and impending homelessness, C.M. was assessed and placed in a supportive living environment. Now, with plans to return to school, she acknowledges the importance of stability in her life. “I literally didn’t spend any time on the streets after I got evicted, because of CARE Court,” C.M. explained.
The experiences of families and individuals involved in CARE Court highlight both commendable successes and troubling shortcomings. Anita Fisher, once a strong advocate for the program, now expresses disappointment following her son’s deteriorating condition after he stopped his medication. She remarked on the emotional toll families endure, stating, “This is what families have to endure.”
The stories emerging from CARE Court encapsulate the complex landscape of mental health support in California. While the initiative provides a framework for treatment and assistance, the varied experiences of participants underscore the need for ongoing refinement and improvement to ensure that those in crisis receive timely and effective care.
As CARE Court continues to evolve, its impact on the lives of individuals and families grappling with mental health challenges remains a crucial area for observation and advocacy.
