CARE Act
What is the CARE Act?
The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act allows specific people, called “petitioners,” to ask the court to create a voluntary CARE agreement or court-ordered CARE plan for other persons, called "respondents," who have certain untreated severe mental illnesses, specifically schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. A CARE agreement or plan may include treatment, housing support, and other services.
CARE Act proceedings involve assessments and hearings to determine whether the respondent meets eligibility requirements. A county behavioral health agency will be involved in the process. If the person qualifies for CARE, a CARE agreement or plan can be made.
Who Qualifies?
- Adults, 18 years or older.
- Diagnosed with a Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders.
- Currently experiencing behaviors and symptoms associated with severe mental illness (SMI).
- Not clinically stabilized in on-going voluntary treatment.
- At least one of the following:
- Unlikely to survive safely without supervision, and condition is substantially deteriorating.
- Needs services and support to prevent relapse or deterioration, leading to grave disability or harm to others.
- Participation in a CARE Plan or Agreement is the least restrictive alternative.
- Likely to benefit from participating in a CARE Plan or Agreement.
If the “respondent” does not meet the requirements for the CARE Act proceedings, options for assistance are still available at Napa County Behavioral Health
FAQs
- Petitions can be filed in-person or mailed to:
Napa Superior Court
Historic Courthouse
825 Brown Street
Napa, CA 94559
- Clerk’s Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm
- Clerk's Phone Number: 707-299-1130
Note: There is no fee required to file a Petition for CARE Act Proceedings.