Innovative Mental Health Initiatives Launch Across California Counties

California has launched a new mental health court program called "CARE Court" in seven counties, aimed at fast-tracking individuals with untreated schizophrenia and related disorders into housing and medical care, potentially without their consent. The program allows family members and first responders to petition the court for treatment on behalf of adults who are rapidly deteriorating and unlikely to survive safely without supervision. However, critics argue that the program is ineffective and coercive. The eligibility criteria are narrow, limited to specific diagnoses, and exclude severe depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of sufficient housing, treatment beds, and support services. The court can dismiss proceedings if the individual declines to participate, and the state estimates that 1,800 to 3,100 people could be eligible in the initial seven counties.