CHANGING LIVES

Why We’re Watching California’s CARE Plan to Tackle Homelessness

Posted by Maryvale on May 19, 2022 4:58:01 PM

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Recently, California’s governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a plan to address the interrelated issues of mental health disorders, addiction, and homelessness. The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Court, or CARE Court, is the governor’s latest attempt to offer treatment and housing for people who are suffering from severe mental health disturbances, addiction, and repeated homelessness. So far, a bipartisan group of California mayors has shown favor for the plan, as it will use judicial power to compel people into housing and treatment facilities, making it an effective way to ensure that unhoused people receive the help that they need. 

 

In order to be admitted to the program, first responders throughout California would identify people in need and assist them through a civil court process. Family members, intervention teams, and mental health service providers will also be able to refer people to the CARE court. Unlike many measures to rid cities of homelessness, the CARE program does not require participants to be homeless to qualify for help. In fact, this program is specifically intended for people who suffer from psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or substance abuse disorders. Recently incarcerated people and those who are released from a short-term hospital hold are possible candidates for CARE. Once admitted, a participant would be placed into court-ordered support for up to two years, with a focus on receiving the proper medication, housing, and treatment for substance abuse. The CARE Court framework was created using the evidence that many people can begin healing and set themselves up to seek long-term housing when they are in less restrictive, community-based care settings. In this way, CARE is a meaningful alternative to restrictive options like conservatorships or incarceration, which are often the state’s default in responding to people who lack the proper decision-making capacity to care for themselves.

 

The CARE plan is not yet in effect and will need to pass budgetary and legislative approval before California can bring it to life. At Maryvale, we understand the urgency behind housing the homeless and offering therapeutic options to the people who are most critically in need. This is why we launched the Seton House program, which will provide safe, temporary housing for single mothers and their young children who need support and resources. Through Seton House, we will empower single mothers with young children to adjust the trajectory of their lives. This program will offer mental health support, nourishing meals, and a sense of community to unhoused women and children. We will help the residents in our care build resiliency and life skills to seek steady employment and permanent housing. Learn more about how our planned housing services will provide life-changing care to the women and families who need it most.

Topics: Homelessness

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