"Governor Newsom praised Alameda County on Monday and said its leaders had quickly scaled up their version of the Democrat's signature mental health initiative, CARE Court, which aims to stabilize people with serious mental illness who are homeless. But Newsom called out Santa Clara County, saying its CARE Court has reached too few people since the program debuted in December 2024."
"If a person is eligible for CARE court, a judge collaborates with them and county health officials to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, drug counseling, residential treatment or supportive housing. However, a person must meet seven criteria to be eligible, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder at a severe level."
"In November, Santa Clara County Executive James Williams said the county had chosen to prioritize other treatment programs rather than lengthy and inadequate mechanisms like CARE Court. That's at odds with Newsom's vision. He has touted the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment court program as a solution to stabilize and house people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses."
California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Alameda County's rapid expansion of CARE Court, his signature mental health initiative designed to stabilize homeless individuals with serious mental illness. However, he criticized Santa Clara County for reaching too few people since the program's December 2024 launch. State law mandates all counties operate these courts. Newsom threatened to pull funding from non-compliant counties, potentially forcing Santa Clara County to finance the program independently. Santa Clara County Executive James Williams previously stated the county prioritized alternative treatment programs over CARE Court, citing its lengthy and inadequate mechanisms. CARE Court allows family members and first responders to refer individuals with severe, untreated psychiatric conditions. Eligible participants work with judges and county health officials to develop personalized treatment plans including medication, counseling, residential treatment, or supportive housing. Eligibility requires meeting seven criteria, including schizophrenia or severe psychotic disorder diagnosis.
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