California is set to launch the CARE Court initiative, a controversial yet ambitious program aimed at assisting individuals with untreated psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. The program is scheduled to commence in eight California counties by December before expanding statewide, offering hope to many who have been grappling with untreated mental health issues.
Under the CARE Court program, judges will have the authority to order individuals with untreated psychotic disorders to receive the necessary help and treatment, with the counties mandated to provide the required assistance. This initiative represents a potential lifeline for individuals like Pharoh Degree, a 45-year-old Army veteran who has been living with schizophrenia for 22 years. Pharoh highlights the immense challenges of living with untreated schizophrenia, describing it as a constant state of overthinking and inner turmoil, with no respite or peace.
The significance of CARE Court lies in its ability to address a critical gap in mental health care. Anita Fisher, Pharoh’s mother, emphasizes the limited options available to ensure her son receives the necessary treatment. Despite her persistent efforts to seek psychiatric intervention for her son, she faced obstacles when he refused treatment. Pharoh eventually became homeless, prompting his mother to search tirelessly for him, knowing he needed help.
CARE Court aims to provide a solution for situations like Pharoh’s, enabling families and the legal system to intervene when individuals with untreated mental health issues refuse treatment, ultimately striving to prevent homelessness and improve the well-being of those affected.
The launch of CARE Court in California signifies a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis and ensuring that individuals with untreated psychotic disorders receive the support and treatment they require to lead healthier lives.
