Full Breakdown
Newsom's Pressure on California Counties to Improve CARE Court Implementation
3/4/2026, 3:31:55 AM
Overview of CARE Court and Recent Developments
California Governor Gavin Newsom has intensified scrutiny on local governments regarding the implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court program, which aims to assist individuals with severe mental illness and homelessness. Launched in 2023, CARE Court allows family members, first responders, and medical providers to petition the court for treatment plans for those in crisis. By December 2024, the program was fully operational across all 58 counties. However, Newsom has expressed frustration over the slow adoption and uneven participation among counties, threatening to redirect funding from those he deems underperforming.
Counties Under Scrutiny
During a recent news conference, Newsom identified ten counties—Los Angeles, Orange, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Bernardino, Kern, Riverside, Yolo, Monterey, and Fresno—as "CARE ICU" counties, indicating they have not met the expected benchmarks for CARE Court petitions. He stated, “I’m happy to redirect every damn penny in these programs to the counties that are getting things done, period, full stop.” In contrast, he praised counties like Alameda, Humboldt, and Santa Barbara as "CARE Champions" for their effective implementation of the program.
Data and Statistics
As of January 2026, California had received 3,817 CARE Court petitions, with judges approving only 893 treatment agreements. A mere 32 individuals have been placed into court-ordered CARE plans. Additionally, over 4,000 individuals have been diverted to services outside of CARE Court. The state has allocated $291 million for housing and behavioral health resources to bolster the program, alongside $131.8 million from Proposition 1 for creating homes for those needing mental health services.
Official Statements & Responses
Newsom's administration has emphasized the need for accountability in the behavioral health system, asserting that CARE Court is not punitive but rather a tool for ensuring treatment access. California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson remarked, “CARE is not a criminal penalty... What it really is is a tool for accountability within the behavioral health system.” In response to Newsom's criticisms, officials from Orange County and San Francisco have defended their efforts, claiming they are fully utilizing the CARE intervention and have made significant strides in connecting individuals to treatment.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics, including the California State Association of Counties, argue that local governments are following the law as written and need more support rather than threats of funding cuts. Santa Clara County Executive James Williams stated that the county has prioritized effective treatment programs over the court-based process, emphasizing that CARE Court is just one of many tools available. Mental health advocates have also raised concerns about the limited awareness of CARE Court and the challenges families face in navigating the petition process.
What's Next
As Newsom prepares for the 2026-2027 budget discussions, he is considering additional measures to expedite CARE Court petitions and improve outcomes. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of addressing mental health and homelessness in California, with local governments seeking more collaboration and resources to meet the growing demand for services.