Resources

Overview

Marin County launched the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act program, also known as CARE Court, on December 1, 2024, under Senate Bill (SB) 1338 (Chapter 319, Statutes of 2022). In partnership with county and community organizations, the program establishes a new pathway to provide mental health services for individuals aged 18 and older diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders who are not clinically stabilized in the community.

CARE Court takes a community-focused approach, emphasizing early intervention and less restrictive care settings to prevent severe impairment and deterioration that might otherwise lead to placement on a 5150/5250 involuntary hold and/or to an LPS Conservatorship investigation.

Families, clinicians, first responders, and other eligible individuals can initiate the process by filing a petition with the civil court, connecting those in need to court-ordered, voluntary treatment.  There are no filing fees, and the Legal Self-Help Center can offer free assistance to county residents interested in filing a CARE Petition. The process includes the following steps:

STEP ONE – Referral & Assessment
A family member, roommate, clinician, or other eligible person files a CARE Act petition with the court. The court appoints a legal representative from the Marin Public Defender's office to guide the individual through the process. The CARE clinical team then evaluates the individual in the community to determine eligibility and assess whether CARE proceedings would be beneficial.

STEP TWO – Developing a CARE Plan
If the individual is eligible, the CARE clinical team collaborates with them to create a tailored treatment plan and link them to services. Regular court review hearings monitor their progress and ensure necessary support is provided.

STEP THREE – Treatment
Participants receive services for up to one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension if needed. At the 11-month mark, the court conducts a status hearing to decide whether to extend services for an additional 12 months.

STEP FOUR– Graduation
Upon completing the program, participants can continue accessing treatment, supportive services, and housing options in their community to maintain long-term recovery. Supportive decision-making tools, like a Psychiatric Health Directive, can remain in place for future use.

For additional information or questions about a CARE Court petition, visit  Resources for Petitioners. For additional information about Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, visit https://www.marinbhrs.org/access or call (888) 818-1115.

The CARE program is designed to assist adults with certain severe and persistent mental illnesses who are not clinically stable in the community.

To be eligible for the CARE program, participants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Carry one of the Schizophrenia or Other Psychotic disorders diagnoses
  • Be currently exhibiting behaviors and symptoms related to their severe mental illness
  • Not be stabilized through ongoing voluntary treatment


Available online training: CARE Eligibility in Practice

Petitioners must be at least 18 years old and have a relationship to the participant in one of the following capacities:

  • ​​​​​​​Family member, roommate, or legally appointed guardian
    Licensed behavioral health professional who supervised the participant’s treatment within the last month
  • Representative of a hospital, county behavioral health agency, public or charitable organization or home, California Indian health services program, or tribal behavioral health program who has recently provided services to the participant
  • First responder—such as a paramedic, emergency medical technician, homeless outreach worker, mobile crisis response worker, police officer, or firefighter—who has had multiple interactions with the participant
  • California tribal court judge
  • Member of a county behavioral health, adult protective services or public guardian office
  • The potential participant themselves

Available online training: The Role of the Family in the CARE Process

Petition to Commence CARE Act Proceedings (CARE-100) Form. Additional resources and information for petitioners are available to guide them through the process at: Resources for Petitioners

Available online training: Petitioning at a Glance

Participation in the CARE program is entirely voluntary. Participants cannot be forced into services (including medication) and may leave the program at any time. The program’s primary goal is to provide support in the least restrictive way while protecting the participants' autonomy. Key rights include: