A new civil court process that launched across seven California counties in October has already received more than 100 petitions, ABC News reported Dec. 1.
The alternative mental health court process — also known as "CARE Court" — was introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom and aims to facilitate the movement of people with psychotic disorders such as untreated schizophrenia into housing and medical care.
Los Angeles County launched the civil court process Dec. 1 to become the largest county to start the program, which the state estimates between 7,000 and 12,000 people across California will eventually be eligible for.
To be eligible for CARE Court, the person needs a diagnosis on the schizophrenia spectrum or other qualifying disorders; people with severe depression or bipolar disorder alone do not qualify.
If the individual filing the petition meets eligibility requirements, a voluntary plan will be developed in partnership between the court and county that includes housing, medication, counseling and additional social services.