California’s Governor Gavin Newsom initiated the CARE Court program two years ago, aiming to support families battling severe mental illness. This innovative initiative was designed to offer court-supervised treatment and housing to individuals struggling with mental health issues, but real-life experiences reveal mixed outcomes. Interviews with participants, petitioners, and caregivers provide insight into the program’s impact and effectiveness.
Experiences of Participants
In a poignant account, June Dudas recounted her efforts to protect her 84-year-old aunt from her son, Ed, who suffers from severe mental illness. After years of trying to safeguard her aunt, including installing security measures, Dudas discovered CARE Court, believing it could compel Ed to accept help. Despite submitting a petition, Ed rejected the assistance offered, leading to the dismissal of his case. Dudas expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s like, ‘OK, Eddy, they’re saying that when you’re well enough to understand how sick you are, then they’re ready to help you.’” This left her family feeling abandoned and fearful.
Similarly, J.M., a participant who had been homeless for years, found a glimmer of hope when outreach workers connected him with CARE Court. Initially, he was placed in a psychiatric hospital, where he received treatment. Following his discharge, CARE Court secured a hotel room for him, allowing him to regain some stability. “It’s been pretty good,” J.M. noted, expressing his desire to return to school and improve his life.
For Mary Peters, the program has been life-changing. She had been caring for her sister, who struggled with mental illness, while also managing their father’s dementia. After filing a CARE Court petition in October 2023, Peters described how the CARE team provided essential support, helping her sister enter a sober living facility. “Without the CARE team, it would have been impossible for me to do this,” she said. Her sister has since graduated from CARE Court and is now living independently.
Challenges and Criticisms
While some have found success, others like Antonio Hernandez have faced significant hurdles. He petitioned for his sister, who has schizophrenia, to enter CARE Court, but the process was slow and fraught with delays. As his sister’s condition worsened, she became homeless and stopped taking her medication. “You have to be at your worst for them to help,” Hernandez lamented, highlighting a critical flaw in the program’s approach.
In another case, C.M. was on the brink of homelessness when CARE Court intervened. She had experienced severe psychotic episodes and was struggling to make ends meet. After a petition was filed on her behalf, she secured housing and support through the program. “I literally didn’t spend any time on the streets after I got evicted,” she remarked, expressing gratitude for the stability CARE Court has provided.
However, not all families share a positive view of the program. Anita Fisher, once an advocate for CARE Court, has experienced disillusionment after her son, diagnosed with schizophrenia, faced repeated crises. Following his arrest and subsequent discharge to the streets, Fisher has criticized the program, stating, “I look at it as a total failure.” Her journey underscores the emotional toll families endure while navigating the complexities of mental health care.
The experiences shared by those involved with CARE Court reveal a spectrum of outcomes, from hope and recovery to frustration and despair. As the program continues to evolve, the voices of participants and their families will be crucial in shaping its future effectiveness.
