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Home My WebLink Aboutcare-act-court-faq-finalFrequently Asked Questions What Is CARE Act Court? The Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment Act (CARE) Court is a new civil court process that provides support services to people with certain untreated schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders who meet speciﬁ c criteria in order to prevent institutionalization and ensure appropriate care. Does Entering CARE Act Court Create a Criminal Record for a Person? No. CARE Act Court is a civil proceeding to help those who qualify get the services they need. Who Can Qualify for CARE Act Court? An individual at least 18 years old who is diagnosed with certain schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders who is also currently experiencing severe mental illness that interferes with their ability to participate safely in daily life. The participant cannot be currently stabilized in an on-going voluntary treatment program. Who Can Petition An Individual to CARE Act Court? Family members, health care providers, county mental health workers, ﬁ rst responders, social services providers and others, as speciﬁ ed in the CARE Act, may petition for a person to be considered for the CARE Act Court. A person may also petition themselves for CARE Act Court. What Happens After an Individual is Petitioned to CARE Act Court? An Alameda County Superior Court Judge will review the petition that is ﬁ led for the individual to determine if they meet the criteria for CARE. The judge will then either dismiss the petition, order a report from a county behavioral health agency, or set an initial court appearance. If the individual is found to be eligible, the court will work with the county behavioral health agency, the individual, the individual’s attorney, and a volunteer supporter (if applicable) to connect the individual with services. This connection will happen either through voluntary engagement, a CARE agreement, or a CARE plan. Is An Attorney Needed? No. The Alameda County Public Defender will represent all individuals being petitioned for inclusion in CARE Act Court. Individuals ﬁ ling petitions do not need an attorney. How Do I Refer Someone to CARE Act Court? Visit alameda.courts.ca.gov/care and download a CARE-100 form. Fill out the form and submit via the Court’s e-ﬁ ling system, by mail or in person. You can ﬁ nd additional information about ﬁ lling out the form at alameda.courts.ca.gov/care or email CAREActCourt@alameda.courts.ca.gov. You can also make an appointment with our Self-Help Center. Scan the QR code below or visit alameda.courts.ca.gov/self-help for more information about the Self-Help Center. Continued on Back Page Scan QR Code with Cell Phone Camera for Information About Our Self-Help Center FAQs Continued Are there any costs for ﬁ ling my CARE Act Court petition or through the entire process? No. Filing a CARE Act Court petition is free. Services provided also have no cost to the participant. Is CARE Act Court a conservatorship? No, CARE Act Court is not a conservatorship. CARE Act Court’s goal is for every participating person to graduate and live a full and autonomous life. CARE Act Court enables the participant to work with mental health specialists, housing specialists, their petitioners, and the judicial ofﬁ cer to develop a CARE Act Plan to improve their long-term health, so that they can live successfully and independently. Can individuals participating in CARE Act Court make their own decisions? Yes. CARE Act Court empowers individuals to make self-directed decisions about their own treatment and recovery. Participants work collaboratively with Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and others to create a personalized CARE Agreement or CARE Plan that ﬁ ts their unique needs and circumstances. The emphasis is on supporting people in making informed decisions and building a recovery-oriented life. Can CARE Court require a participant to take and stay on their medication? No. The Court may order stabilizing medication for acute conditions in the CARE Plan, however, they cannot order the participant/respondent to take that medication against their will. What will happen if someone isn’t successful in CARE Act Court? If someone does not complete their CARE Agreement or Plan, they may lose access to the specialized support and prioritization CARE Act Court offers. Each situation is unique, and the exact implications vary based on the participant’s circumstances and the reasons for discontinuation. The Court will encourage the participant to continue engaging with available mental health resources and consider discussing the best alternative care options with a mental health professional. What if someone is not eligible for CARE Act Court?It is important for someone to get help if they need it. Alameda County Behavioral Health Department offers a wide range of services and support to individuals of all ages with mental health and substance use challenges. If an individual is not eligible for CARE Act Court, they may be referred to the County’s ACCESS line at 1-800-491-9099. This is the system-wide point of contact for information, screening and referrals for mental health and substance use services and treatment for Alameda County residents. Where Does Care Act Court Take Place? Care Act Court hearings will be held in Dept. 103 at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland. The Courthouse is located at 661 Washington Street, Oakland CA. How can I get more information on CARE Court? For more information on CARE Act Court, visit www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/CARE. Petitioners without an attorney who need additional information or assistance with ﬁ ling a petition may contact the Court’s Self-Help Center. (See Reverse).