Families Disillusioned by California’s Mental Health Court System
Families in California are expressing deep disappointment with the state’s CARE Court system designed for mental health treatment. The program, introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom in March 2022, promised to assist individuals grappling with severe mental illness by creating a new court-directed pathway for necessary services. However, the reality has left many feeling disillusioned and frustrated.
Background on CARE Court
The concept of CARE Court aims to address complex mental health challenges by funneling treatment and housing support to those in need. Initially, it was anticipated that around 12,000 individuals would benefit from the program once fully implemented across the state by December 2024. However, recent data reveals that only about 3,092 petitions were filed as of October, with nearly half dismissed. Only 706 ger approved CARE plans have emerged from this process.
Disappointment Among Families
Families like that of Ronda Deplazes, a resident of Concord, California, have found themselves repeating cycles of crisis without the hoped-for stability. Deplazes originally felt optimistic about CARE Court but described her experience as a heart-wrenching disappointment after watching her son struggle with psychosis and addiction. Her son’s unpredictable behaviors have resulted in multiple encounters with law enforcement, yet the support promised by CARE Court has not materialized.
- Governor Newsom launched CARE Court in March 2022.
- The program rolled out statewide in December 2024.
- Approximately 3,092 CARE Court petitions were filed, with almost half dismissed.
- Only 706 CARE plans have been created.
The Challenges Families Face
Many families describe a stark contrast between their expectations and the harsh realities of the program. Deplazes noted that her hopes were quickly dashed, illustrating the frustration felt by families who often cannot compel their loved ones to seek help due to a lack of insight into their illness, a condition known as anosognosia.
Families report that individuals often slip through the cracks, cycling through homelessness and incarceration without receiving the consistent treatment they need. In some cases, loved ones are lost entirely within the system, compounding the anguish of families desperate for help.
Conversations with CARE Court Officials
Officials from CARE Court and local counties acknowledge the challenges and the disconnect between the anticipated outcomes and real-world applications. They emphasize that building relationships and trust takes time, and the voluntary nature of the program is intended to encourage sustained engagement with mental health services.
Judge Melissa O’Connell, who oversees Contra Costa County’s CARE Court, noted that while the program doesn’t help everyone, it does provide essential assistance to some individuals who may not have accessed care otherwise.
Continuing Struggles and Hope for Change
The ongoing saga for families like the Deplazes family highlights significant gaps in the mental health system. After Deplazes’ son was released from CARE Court, he continued to struggle, resulting in further legal issues and a court-ordered inpatient treatment in September.
Despite the unfulfilled promises of CARE Court, some families maintain hope that upcoming legislative changes might lead to better outcomes. A new law set to take effect in January promises to redefine standards related to mental health conservatorship, potentially offering a pathway to more substantial support.
For families grappling with the complexities of mental health systems, the journey is laden with challenges. As they advocate for better care, many express a desire for a system that truly addresses their loved ones’ needs without placing them at further risk.
