10/18/2026
Have you heard about the CARE Act?
“What is the CARE Act?”
The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act provides community-based behavioral health services and supports to eligible Californians living with schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders through a new civil court process focused on recovery.
"Why does it matter?"
The CARE Act offers an alternative to:
🚫 Involuntary hospitalization
🚫 Conservatorship
🚫 Jail or homelessness
“Who can qualify for the CARE Act?”
Adults (18+) with untreated schizophrenia or related psychoaffective disorders who are:
🔹 Not engaged in treatment
🔹 Struggling to survive safely
🔹 Likely to benefit from support
“Who can submit a petition for someone to participate in the CARE Act?”
Under the CARE Act, the following people can file a petition:
Family members
Licensed behavioral health professionals
Licensed clinicians
First responders
Public guardians and conservators
Certain judges or representatives
“What happens after a petition is filed?”
Once a petition is filed, the court reviews the request and asks the county’s behavioral health team to engage with the individual and assess whether they’re eligible for a CARE Plan.
To learn more about the CARE Act, check out: https://www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act/