SANTA ANA, CA, (September 29, 2023) — Orange County is taking a significant step forward in supporting its residents facing mental health challenges with the launch of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program. Becoming one of the first counties in California to implement this state initiative, Orange County is poised to provide crucial assistance to individuals grappling with untreated schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Starting October 2, 2023, the Orange County CARE Act Assistance Program will officially begin accepting petitions, marking the commencement of a groundbreaking civil process designed to offer intervention and support to those in dire need.
“The Orange County Board of Supervisors is proud to be at the forefront of the CARE Act implementation, ensuring it is tailored to the specific needs and resources of our community,” stated Chairman Donald Wagner of the OC Board of Supervisors, District 3. He further emphasized the collaborative spirit behind this initiative, adding, “The dedication of the HCA Mental Health and Recovery Services team, along with the Public Defender and our courts, has been instrumental in developing a system that is both effective and compassionate for individuals struggling with severe mental health disorders.”
The core objective of the CARE Act process is to empower individuals and their families by facilitating access to vital resources, essential services, and timely intervention. This proactive approach aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of Orange County residents who require mental health support and assistance. Dr. Veronica Kelley, the Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services at HCA, expressed optimism about the program, saying, “This launch represents a hopeful stride in our ongoing commitment to support individuals struggling with untreated mental illness. By connecting individuals with a CARE Act plan, we are providing not just assistance, but a pathway towards recovery and a renewed sense of hope.”
Orange County Doctor Discussing CARE Act with Patient
The Orange County CARE Act Assistance Program is designed to serve adults aged 18 and older who are diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders and are currently not receiving treatment. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the program allows for court petitions to be filed by a range of stakeholders. This includes family members, the county itself, tribal jurisdictions, and community professionals who possess direct knowledge of an individual’s condition and needs.
Judge Maria Hernandez, one of the presiding judges for the program, highlighted the program’s alignment with community well-being, stating, “The CARE Act program embodies our mission to collaborate closely with our community and actively promote mental well-being. It establishes a well-defined framework to guarantee that individuals facing mental illness receive the necessary support, accompanied by a dedicated team to guide them.”
Individuals seeking to initiate a case under the Orange County CARE Act Assistance Program can file a petition at any Orange County Court location, provided the respondent resides within Orange County. To activate a case, a completed petition form (CARE-100 form available at https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/CARE-100) is required, along with supporting documentation. This crucial documentation includes a Mental Health Declaration from a licensed behavioral health provider or verifiable evidence of recent intensive treatment.
Martin Schwarz, the Public Defender for Orange County, underscored the program’s commitment to individual rights, stating, “We are dedicated to ensuring that all respondents have access to legal counsel and are actively involved in the decision-making processes throughout their engagement with the CARE Act program. This careful balance between providing essential support and respecting individual liberties is of paramount importance.”
The Orange County CARE Act Assistance Program represents a valuable addition to the resources available in Orange County aimed at fostering mental wellness. Its comprehensive approach is intended to offer a lifeline to individuals who have long struggled without adequate support.
For more in-depth information about the CARE Act, please visit the official California Health and Human Services Agency website: https://www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act/ or the California Courts website: https://www.courts.ca.gov/48654.htm. To locate the nearest Orange County Court self-help location for assistance with filing petitions, please visit: https://www.occourts.org/self-help/self-help-services/self-help-centers. Court Forms can be accessed at: www.courts.ca.gov/allforms.htm. For access to other mental health and wellness resources in Orange County, please visit www.ocnavigator.org or connect with a Navigator by calling (855) OC-LINKS.
