SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — San Francisco has taken a significant step forward as one of the inaugural seven counties in California to implement the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act, also known as the CARE Act. This state legislation is designed to facilitate access to care and housing for individuals grappling with mental health disorders.
The CARE Court framework empowers a diverse spectrum of individuals to file petitions on behalf of those in need of mental health assistance. Dr. Angelica Almeida, representing San Francisco’s Department of Public Health, elucidated the program’s mission, stating, “CARE Court presents an invaluable opportunity to extend support to individuals within our community who are grappling with untreated mental illnesses, all while offering community-based treatment options.” Dr. Almeida further emphasized the inclusive nature of CARE Court, noting that petitioners could include first responders, family members, individuals living with someone in distress, or anyone genuinely concerned about an individual’s well-being. These petitions are then filed directly with the court.
The introduction of the CARE Court program in San Francisco underscores the city’s commitment to addressing the critical issue of untreated mental health disorders and facilitating accessible treatment for those in need. This initiative recognizes the importance of community-based intervention and aims to provide a lifeline to individuals who may have otherwise fallen through the cracks of the mental health support system.
