Marin County is set to launch a transformative initiative aimed at delivering critical mental health, housing, and supportive services to individuals suffering from untreated schizophrenia and other severe psychotic disorders.
The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, established by Senate Bill 1338 and endorsed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is designed to provide structured, court-ordered care plans for individuals with untreated serious mental illness, helping to break the cycle of homelessness, hospitalization, and incarceration.
Marin County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), a Division of Marin Health and Human Services, will officially launch CARE Court on December 1 in partnership with the Superior Court, Public Defender, County Counsel, and other County departments. BHRS presented the initiative to the Marin County Board of Supervisors on November 5, highlighting the collaborative efforts and expected impact of the program.
“We are excited to implement CARE Court in Marin County, which builds on our robust system of care for people with serious mental illnesses,” said BHRS Director Dr. Todd Schirmer. “This program will allow us to connect individuals with essential behavioral health services and support, including psychiatry, case management, substance use treatment, and other wraparound services.”
CARE Court connects individuals experiencing untreated mental illness and, in many cases, homelessness and co-occurring substance use disorders, to behavioral health treatment through a comprehensive, court-ordered care plan. Each plan is tailored to the individual’s needs and may include mental health and substance use treatment, medication, and a housing plan. The plan can be in place for up to two years. Each participant will have access to a public defender and volunteer supporter to aid in making decisions about treatment.
“CARE Court represents a new way of thinking about mental health intervention in Marin County,” said Michelle Funez, BHRS Division Director and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. “By focusing on a community-based framework, we are giving our residents the opportunity to stabilize and heal in an environment that supports their long-term recovery.”
David Joseph Sutton, Marin County Public Defender, said, “The collaboration among our justice partners and the commitment of our stakeholders has made it possible to launch CARE Court by the December 1 deadline. We are confident that this program will make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Once underway in Marin, the CARE Court program can be initiated by a family member, a behavioral health professional, first responder, or even the individual seeking assistance. The proactive approach ensures those in need can access the necessary services and support as early as possible.
For more information on the CARE Court process in Marin County, contact the BHRS CARE team by email or by phone at t 888-818-1115.
Additional resources, including a Family Resource Guide, petition forms, and training materials, can be accessed via the CARE Act Resource Center.
Leave a Reply