BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Gov. Gavin Newsom has singled out 10 California counties he said are underperforming in CARE Court, a program launched in 2023 that uses the courts to connect people with mental health treatment.
Kern was among the counties Newsom listed as underperforming.
Kern County Behavioral Health Deputy Director Jessica Armstrong said the county began CARE Court earlier than most of the state.
“CARE was developed through legislation. We launched a little early here in Kern. So that was in October 2024; the rest of the state launched in December 2024,” Armstrong said.
Newsom calls out Kern, nine other counties for lagging on CARE Court program (KBAK/KBFX)
Armstrong said eligibility for CARE Court is limited to people with schizophrenia, a psychotic disorder, or bipolar disorder. She said a person must also meet additional criteria.
“The individual has to be substantially deteriorating or unlikely to survive in the community without intervention.
They need to have a reasonable likelihood to benefit from CARE,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong said the process can require people to go to the courthouse and sign legal paperwork to file a petition, which she said can be difficult for many individuals.
She said Kern County has created an alternative referral process.
Newsom calls out Kern, nine other counties for lagging on CARE Court program (KBAK/KBFX)
“And so what we did was, we have a referral process, which is much simpler. Somebody can call, or they can email. They can give us basic information about an individual they’re concerned about,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong said the county has received 200 referrals since the program started, and that many people volunteer for treatment without having to go through the court process.
She said that affects the county’s petition numbers compared with other counties.
“Which is why our petitions are lower than other counties because these folks don’t have to file a petition because they’re voluntarily agreeing to treatment,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong said the county is waiting for further assistance from the governor’s office, including guidance on how success is being measured.
Newsom calls out Kern, nine other counties for lagging on CARE Court program (KBAK/KBFX)
“We will be participating in some technical assistance with them to determine the metrics they’re utilizing to value success. So far, the only thing we’ve been notified of is what he’s shared with the media,” Armstrong said.