• A new civil court process designed to link individuals who have specific mental health diagnoses to county behavioral health services, under the oversight of a judge, for up to 24 consecutive months
• Includes a clinically indicated, individualized treatment plan, with supportive services and a dedicated team
• Meant to address complex mental health needs and prevent deterioration in the community.

CARE Court:

• Is NOT a criminal court
• Does NOT include people with any/all mental health conditions or standalone substance-use disorders
• Is NOT a solution for homelessness

CARE Court Eligibility

CARE Act Eligibility Criteria

General Program Resources

CARE Act
CARE Court Fact Sheet

Information for Respondents can be found here

For Petitioners

A petition may be filled out by specific people or agencies.  DHCS has offered this Petition Video to help understand the process, who can petition, and the key documents.  A petitioner would need to fill out the two forms below and return them to the Sutter or Yuba Courthouse (based on the county of residence of the respondent).  More information about petitioning is available here.

CARE 100: Petition to Commence CARE Act Proceedings

CARE 101: Mental Health Declaration

In addition, Self Help Centers can assist petitioners with filling out the forms, but can not offer legal or clinical advice

Self Help Center (Sutter County)

Self Help Center (Yuba County)