CARE Court Outreach Program Debuts in Riverside County

Two weeks ago, Riverside County was among the first cohort to participate in California’s CARE Court. This new community-based outreach program uses the local court system to assist people with mental health and substance use disorders—many of whom are also experiencing homelessness—to get the support and care they need.   CARE Court, which stands for Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment is a service that utilizes the civil court system to help people who are suffering from psychiatric disorders into needed services and treatment programs. CARE Court was signed into law on September 14, 2022, and is the first significant update to the State’s mental health laws since 1967. In Moreno Valley, the City’s Homeless Task Force teams will participate in the CARE Court program by continuing to work with the two Riverside University Health System’s (RUHS) mobile crisis teams to refer certain homeless individuals experiencing mental health disorders and addiction issues to treatment programs. Additionally, the City has three Clinical Behavioral Assessment Teams (CBAT), which pair a Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy with a mental health clinician, who will also support RUHS’ mobile crisis teams. “Cities are on the frontlines of California's mental health crisis, and CARE Court will serve as a much needed tool to help those with severe mental health and substance abuse issues. It takes bold, innovative ideas like CARE Court to help get our unhoused neighbors into the programs and services they need to get back on their feet,” said Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “I applaud the State of California and Riverside County for taking this meaningful step, and as Mayor of Moreno Valley, I look forward to working hand in hand with our State and County partners to help alleviate this crisis.” To qualify for CARE Court, an individual must be at least 18 years old and suffer from schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, or other psychiatric disorders. They must meet the criteria of being unable to survive without intervention or be at significant risk of relapse.  If an individual qualifies, they may participate in the Care Plan for up to 12 months, with periodic review hearings and subsequent renewal for up to another 12 months.  If you or a loved one would like to be involved with CARE Court, call the 24-hour tip line at 800.499.3008. A voluntary screening process will determine if the individual qualifies to receive treatment through CARE Court. For more information about CARE Court, visit ruhealth.org.