BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The CARE Act created a process that was supposed to get those with psychiatric disorders the help they need.

But Governor Gavin Newsom is now stressing the importance of local leaders putting their feet on the gas and increasing the effectiveness of the program.

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At Monday’s press conference, Newsom announced $300 million is available for counties that have not met the mark for the program — including Kern County.

Since Kern adopted the homeless mental health initiative in October 2024, the county has received 213 petitions. Fifty-eight of those were approved with 11 still pending.

But while roughly 27% of the petitions have been approved, Kern Behavioral Health surprisingly says it doesn’t need the extra funding by the governor.

Alison Burrowes, the director of the department, explained the reaction.

“We have seen a significant number of individuals voluntarily connected with behavioral health services without the need for a CARE Court petition,” said Burrowes. “When people are willing to accept help through voluntary pathways, that represents a positive outcome for both the individual and the system of care.”

The data also shows a similar picture.

According to the state of California’s accountability website, Kern’s local programs assisted 778 individuals in 2025.

A spokesperson for Behavioral Health told KGET that it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what local program has contributed to helping the most people.

Carlos Baldovinos, one of Kern’s biggest homeless advocates, said Newsom’s one-size-fits-all approach is flawed.

“People have different issues. Different medications need to be used for certain individuals, different diagnosis, so you can’t treat it like that,” said Baldovinos. “If you do, it’s a recipe for, you know, just for a cog at the wheel and nothing happening.”

The process of getting an individual assistance can be long and complicated. First, a petition needs to be filed and sent to the Kern County Superior Court.

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From there, the court will hold a hearing where the petition will be denied or approved. If approved, outreach workers will find the individual and offer them CARE services.

While it may be complicated, Baldovinos is still happy to have it.

“I’m a big advocate for it. I do think that having it is better than not having it,” said Baldovinos. “But I also think that we got to have, you know, more output, more outcomes quicker, I think that’s the expectation.”

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