After Senate Bill 1338, a piece of legislation that creates the CARE Court framework, was approved by the legislature today, Governor Gavin Newsom made the following statement:
“The CARE Act’s passing today offers hope to thousands of Californians who struggle with serious mental illnesses and often spend their days on the streets without receiving the care they so sorely need and deserve.
“CARE Court represents a paradigm change, offering accommodation and services in the neighbourhood, where individuals may recover, rather than behind the closed doors of institutions and jails.
This was the goal established more than 50 years ago, but it is only now, because of the tremendous investment in CARE Court, new housing, and mental health services, that we can see this promise come true.
At a time when California is allocating a record $14.7 billion in funds for housing and homelessness help and more than $11.6 billion yearly for mental health across the state, CARE Court has garnered resounding, bipartisan support from the Legislature.
Real responsibility is also included in this law for local governments that disregard court-ordered treatment regimens.
The CARE Act encourages self-direction and safeguards civil rights while holding those in need of care responsible for participating in treatment.
“I appreciate the efforts of the bill’s sponsors, Senators Susan Talamantes Eggman and Thomas Umberg (both Democrats from Santa Ana) as well as Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon in bringing this measure to a successful conclusion.
Together with our partners, we’ll bring CARE Court to life, bringing hope to people who are experiencing severe, untreated mental disorders with psychosis and providing a safety net for their friends and family who, for far too long, have felt helpless in helping their loved ones.