California Gov. Newsom signs bill package to support mental health CARE courts

CARE courts in nine counties have helped more than 700 people with untreated schizophrenia spectrum or psychotic disorders get treatment and housing since the program launched last year, according to the governor’s office. All counties will start offering "CARE Courts" by December, which allows families to petition a court to put their loved ones with severe mental illness in a mental health treatment facility.

Another measure, SB 1238, authored by Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), expands the types of facilities where people who are held on a temporary conservatorship for substance abuse can be placed. This will include mental health rehabilitation centers and psychiatric health facilities.

SB 1400, authored by Sen. Henry Stern (D-Calabasas), increases transparency around how the CARE Act is used by requiring annual reporting to the state. It also requires that a "misdemeanor incompetent to stand trial" hearing first determine if the person is eligible for programs or treatment before dismissing a case.

Full article here: Newsom signs bill package to support mental health CARE courts (kcra.com)