SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. — The County of Santa Clara launched its new CARE Court process on Dec. 2, 2024.
Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court provides a person facing an untreated psychotic-type disorder with a care plan for up to 24 months under the support and supervision of a civil court. A care team from the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) oversees and coordinates services, including individualized behavioral health treatment, support services, stabilization medication, and a housing plan. Each individual has access to a public defender and advocate to help guide their care decisions and clinical team.
“CARE Courts are where people can start fresh—to find stability, heal, and rebuild their lives within supportive, community-based settings. This long-term strategy transforms the lives of people in need and strengthens the entire community,” said BHSD Director Sherri Terao.
A judge decides whether the person meets the criteria and is eligible for services under the CARE Act. A family member, clinician, first responder, or other qualified petitioner can file a CARE Act petition directly with the Court. In Santa Clara County, there is also an option to make a CARE outreach referral to Behavioral Health Services, allowing referred individuals to engage in services and avoiding the court process. All counties in the state will take part in CARE Court.
“CARE Court intends to focus on residents who are experiencing homelessness, have intersected with law enforcement, and are living with significant, often complex behavioral health needs,” said Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. “The key to the success of CARE is that each person’s plan is tailored to their specific needs, preserves individual agency, and ensures connections to resources that will support sustainable recovery. Our goal will always be to guide eligible clients to embrace treatment voluntarily, and we must make the necessary investments in relationships and trust-building to accomplish that critical goal. Our residents are watching, and we must get this right.”
In Santa Clara County, CARE Outreach referrals to BHSD and CARE Petitions to the Court will be accepted starting Dec. 2, 2024. BHSD has created a CARE Outreach and Engagement team that allows people to engage in services and avoid CARE court proceedings. This outreach team provides intensive outreach and offers linkage to the same services through the CARE petition. The information gathered through the CARE Outreach process can be used to support a CARE Act petition. Individuals can reach the CARE Outreach team at 1-800-704- 0900 (option #3) or email CAREOutreach@hhs.sccgov.org.
Learn more at the Behavioral Health Services Department’s CARE Court website, https://bhsd.santaclaracounty.
ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multicultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, Calif., making it more populous than 14 states in the United States. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.
Visit the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health
www.sccbhsd.org