California’s mental health initiative, known as CARE Court, aims to assist families grappling with severe mental illness through court-supervised treatment and housing plans. Launched by Governor Gavin Newsom two years ago, the program has generated both hope and frustration among participants and their families. It was designed to provide much-needed support to individuals who struggle to access care independently. Over the past year, many individuals have shared their experiences with CARE Court, shedding light on its impact.
Experiences of Families and Individuals
In one instance, June Dudas faced a distressing situation involving her 84-year-old aunt and her son, Ed, who suffers from mental illness. Last summer, Dudas received a text from her aunt, who was hiding from Ed in her San Diego home. Over the years, Dudas had taken numerous precautions to protect her aunt, including installing security measures and filing restraining orders. When she learned about CARE Court, Dudas believed it could provide the help Ed needed.
After submitting a CARE Court petition for her cousin, the court offered Ed assistance, but he declined. Consequently, a judge dismissed the case. Dudas expressed her disappointment: “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, but until then you’re on your own, buddy.’” Following a second petition in October, which was also dismissed, Ed ended up in jail for violating his mother’s restraining order. Dudas fears that her family will revert to their previous struggles once he is released.
Another participant, J.M., found himself homeless in Oakland last February. He had been living under an awning with a foot injury that made walking difficult. After being taken to a psychiatric hospital, he was discharged to a hotel room provided by CARE Court. J.M. expressed optimism about his situation, stating, “Life’s treating me pretty good.” He aims to return to school to obtain his GED and seeks employment while attempting to quit smoking.
Mary Peters, a 64-year-old from Riverside, faced her own challenges with her sister’s mental illness. Peters had been caring for her sister and their father, who suffers from dementia, while her sister oscillated between homelessness and hospitalizations. After filing a CARE Court petition in October 2023, Peters received support, enabling her sister to enter a sober living facility. Peters noted the importance of the CARE team, stating, “Without them, it would have been impossible for me to do this.”
Challenges and Concerns
The experiences of Antonio Hernandez reflect the frustrations many families face with CARE Court. He petitioned for his sister, who has schizophrenia, but encountered significant delays in the process. During the wait, his sister’s condition worsened, leading to her eviction from a sober living facility and subsequent homelessness. Hernandez criticized the system, saying, “You have to be at your worst for them to help. It kind of makes no sense.” He expressed concern over the impact this experience has had on his sister’s well-being, lamenting the irreversible damage to her mental health.
C.M., a 55-year-old woman from San Leandro, also experienced a transformative shift after CARE Court intervened. Previously on the verge of homelessness due to her struggles with psychosis, C.M. received the support she needed to stabilize her life. Now living in a room overlooking a yard, she is able to focus on her future, aspiring to return to school for construction management. However, she remains apprehensive about her housing situation as she approaches graduation from CARE Court in April.
Anita Fisher, a former advocate for CARE Court, has seen the program’s shortcomings firsthand. Initially optimistic about its potential to help her son, who suffers from schizophrenia, Fisher’s experience turned sour when he faced repeated crises. Her son’s journey through the system led to arrests and homelessness, leaving Fisher disillusioned. “I look at it as a total failure,” she stated, reflecting on the emotional toll of navigating the mental health system.
The stories of individuals and families involved with CARE Court illustrate both the promise and the pitfalls of this ambitious initiative. While the program has offered vital support to some, significant barriers remain. As the system continues to evolve, the narratives of those affected by mental illness highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and effective solutions that address the complexities of mental health care in California.
