CARE Court

CARE Court participants must meet all the following criteria:

• Age 18 and older
• Diagnosed with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, plus another serious mental illness, such as addiction
• Showing behaviors and symptoms of their mental illness
• Not receiving voluntary treatment
• Unlikely to survive safely and independently in the community
• Getting worse or needing support to prevent relapse
• CARE Court must be the least restrictive option for the person’s recovery and stability

The process begins when a petition is submitted to the court. A wide range of community members and professionals can submit a petition, including:

• Care providers
• Family members
• A friend or roommate
• First responders
• Others specified in the CARE Act

Also, an individual may self-petition.

Participants will be provided with legal counsel. In addition to their clinical team, they can choose a voluntary supporter. The supporter’s role is to aid the participant in understanding their options and help communicate decisions to their care team. They are given tools to make self-directed decisions, as much as possible.

Legal counsel, the clinical team and supporter work together with the participant’s input to create an individualized plan. The plan includes treatment, housing and other supports.

Evidence shows that with the right support, people who have severe mental illness can live in less restrictive, community-based care settings. Supportive living programs like CARE Court can keep people housed and prevent unnecessary incarceration.

CARE plans make sure participants receive a broad range of services, including:

• Medications to help them stabilize*
• Wellness and recovery supports
• Connection to other social services, such as housing

Plans can be structured to last up to 12 months. They can be extended for another 12 months, as needed.

*Taking medication is voluntary