City of Sacramento announces plans for CARE Court framework
Sacramento (Dec. 10, 2024) - Monday, the City of Sacramento announced the implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court framework, a new tool to support individuals in need. The City will begin submitting petitions over the next several days to the State Superior Court to ask for treatment plans for individuals 18 and over who are struggling with untreated mental health and substance use disorders.
Mayor Darrell Steinberg was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Karina Talamantes, Councilmember Eric Guerra, and Brian Pedro, Director of the Department of Community Response to announce the program.
“The provisions from the new CARE Court law allows cities to file these petitions directly to the courts so that we can get help to people who need it the most and might otherwise die on the streets,” said Mayor Steinberg. “We can and must do more for our residents in Sacramento and the CARE Court is one avenue to accomplish this.”
“It is our responsibility to help,” stated Mayor Pro Tem Talamantes. “There is nothing compassionate about allowing someone who cannot make decisions for themselves to be on our streets.”
“This is a new tool that now allows the City to help those who can’t care for themselves and are facing homelessness, mental health disorders, or substance abuse,” noted Councilmember Guerra.
“When the City first inquired about this program, the Department of Health Care Services told us we were the first city to reach out for training and direction prior to a county implementing. This just shows that yet again Sacramento is leading the way”, stated Director Pedro.
The CARE Court is voluntary and offers a comprehensive, court-ordered Care Plan that ensures up to 24 months of managed care. Administered by a community care team, the plan includes personalized interventions, supportive services, medication, and housing solutions. With a focus on a client-centered approach, it provides individuals with a public defender and supporter to help them make self-directed care decisions alongside their clinical team.
