San Diego County officials previewed its contents Wednesday. Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Act The policy framework to support people living with untreated mental health and substance abuse issues will:
The law, also known as the CARE Act, is being piloted in seven California counties and goes into effect in San Diego County on Sunday.
“We are excited that our county will be a leader in launching this new program,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas. “We want the public to know how this cutting-edge tool can help them. If our community doesn’t know how to access this cutting-edge resource, please take advantage of it. I can not do it.”
Petitions for people with mental health disorders can be filed by family members, people living with the person, social services, first responders, community groups, or law enforcement. Then, with information from the county’s behavioral health services, a judge will determine whether the person qualifies for treatment. If so, a CARE plan will be created.
Although some people experiencing homelessness meet state law’s definition of disability, this is not a homeless housing program.
The county expects to spend $15 million to $20 million in the first year for about 1,000 people to be considered. The county’s statement said it is estimated that about a quarter of those workers will become confirmed cases, and the rest will be directed to pre-existing behavioral health programs.
“County Behavioral Health Services, along with our partners, have assembled a team to help launch the CARE Act program,” said County BHS Director Dr. Luke Bergman. “Together, we will improve the lives of eligible people in our community while providing critical existing resources and assistance to others.”
The plan is nominally voluntary but could include behavioral therapy, stabilizing drugs, housing programs, and more.
However, if someone refuses treatment, a judge may also recommend that the person enter into a conservatorship, effectively forcing treatment.
Those who successfully complete the program and are graduated by the court will continue to receive ongoing treatment and support services to support long-term recovery.
“The San Diego Superior Court has begun reviewing the petition and stands ready to work with counties, individuals, and their attorneys on the eligibility of those participating in the CARE Act process and the best plan moving forward,” said Superior Court Judge Kimberly. Judge LaGotta said.
The plan will be managed by community-based care teams that will “ensure program participants have access to the mental health care, support services, medication, and housing they need,” the state statement said. In addition to this team, CARE individuals have a public defender and a care manager to assist them in making independent care decisions.
Participation in the program is limited to no more than one year, unless extended due to individual circumstances, for a total of two years, and includes regular public hearings to report on progress, county officials said. include.
This program is free to participants.
Local authorities that fail to fulfill their specified obligations under a court-ordered care plan may be subject to court sanctions or the appointment of a representative to ensure the provision of services.
Other CARE Act pilot counties in California include Glen, Orange, Riverside, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and the city and county of San Francisco. Los Angeles County is required to begin Dec. 1, and the rest of the state is required to begin next year.
City News Service contributed to this article.
