FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno County is one of 10 counties in California identified by the state as needing additional support to implement the CARE Court program, according to an announcement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.
The designation places Fresno County in the state’s CARE Improvement and Coordination Unit, or “CARE ICU,” which is aimed at helping counties that are facing challenges rolling out the program.
State officials say the unit will provide targeted technical assistance and training to local agencies responsible for implementing the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act.
The announcement comes as the state is also awarding $291 million in funding for behavioral health services and housing tied to the CARE Court initiative.
The CARE Act is part of California’s broader effort to address untreated serious mental illness and homelessness by connecting people with long-term treatment and support services.
CARE Court is designed to help people suffering from untreated or undertreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders access care and housing through a court-supervised treatment plan.
Under the program, a petition can be filed by a family member, first responder, mental health professional or the individual themselves to determine whether someone qualifies for the program.
If approved, the participant is connected with a team of behavioral health providers and support services under the oversight of a civil court judge.
State officials say the court process is intended to guide individuals into treatment rather than punish them.
Newsom’s office described the CARE Act as a key component of California’s effort to modernize its behavioral health system and confront homelessness after decades of systemic gaps in care.