Strengthening CARE Courts: Advancing Justice System Responsibility and Accountability for Program Participants
Strengthening CARE Courts: Advancing Justice System Responsibility and Accountability for Program Participants
In 2024, California's Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act established CARE Courts to connect people struggling with serious mental illnesses to voluntary treatment, housing, and other supportive services through a civil pathway prior to any contact with the criminal justice system. CARE Court partners are responsible for working together to link individuals to crucial services—this explainer lays out the roles, responsibilities, and accountability measures of each partner required to support successful outcomes for CARE participants.