The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act seeks to provide community-based mental health and related services, support, and accountability for individuals living with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. The act aims to divert and prevent restrictive conservatorships or incarcerations through a court-ordered CARE plan or court-approved CARE agreement for up to 12 months, initiated by filing a court petition.

Court Process

All cases will begin with a petition (form CARE-100). The form states who is eligible to file a CARE-100 petition. A judge will review the petition to determine if the petitioner made an initial showing that the respondent may meet the CARE criteria. After subsequent reports and hearings, a judge will decide if the respondent meets the criteria. If the parties reach an agreement or the court adopts a plan, then the court will hold review hearings. CARE Act Court participants will receive services for up to one year. At that point, they may graduate from the program, remain in it, or the court may involuntarily reappoint them to it. If participants remain in the program, then they will receive services for up to one additional year.

Court Forms

These forms are available in English, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese

  • CARE-050-INFO: Information for Petitioners—About the CARE Act
  • CARE-060-INFO: Information for Respondents—About the CARE Act
  • CARE-100: Petition to Commence CARE Act Proceedings
  • CARE-101: Mental Health Declaration—CARE Act Proceedings

Assistance

Civil Self-Help Services provides parties with assistance: