December 30, 2024 - The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act is a new civil court process available as of December 1, 2024 in Merced County. The CARE Act provides community-based behavioral health services and supports to eligible Californians living with schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders. 

CARE aims to promote long-term stability and independence and to prevent more restrictive alternatives, such as conservatorships, incarceration, and hospitalizations.

The CARE Act authorizes specified adult persons (such as family members, health care providers, first responders, and others) to petition a civil court to create a voluntary CARE agreement or a court-ordered CARE plan that may include treatment, housing resources, and other services and supports in Merced County. A CARE agreement or CARE plan continues for one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Merced County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Josh Pedrozo said the CARE Act serves as a new tool to help address mental health challenges in our community. 

“We are truly grateful for the hard work and collaboration that went into implementing the CARE Act locally,” Pedrozo said. 

“Navigating the mental health system can be overwhelming for individuals and their families. Through the CARE Act, we aim to be a guiding resource for those in need,” said Delilah Garza, Community Enrichment Director of the Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. “By fostering meaningful relationships, providing supportive resources, and linking individuals to clinically appropriate treatment in our community, we can support our most vulnerable members in their journey toward wellness, recovery, and stability.”

“Launching the Care Act Program in Merced County is the result of exceptional collaboration and planning efforts among several County departments, the Merced County Superior Court, and community-based organizations over the past year and a half. While the CARE Act program has specific eligibility criteria, the overarching goal for all referrals—regardless of eligibility—is to connect individuals with the treatment and resources they need and deserve.” said Kimiko Vang, Director of Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. 

For more information about filing a CARE Act petition, please see: Information for Petitioners—About the CARE Act. The Merced County Superior Court is now accepting petitions in person at The Old Courthouse – Civil Division, 627 W. 21^st Street, Merced, CA 95340, or at The Robert M. Falasco Justice Center, 1159 G Street, Los Banos, CA 93635, or electronically at E-Filing | Superior Court of California | County of Merced. Petitioners can also receive assistance at the Merced County Superior Court Self-Help Center. For more information on how to access the Self-Help Center, please visit: Self-Help Center | Superior Court of California | County of Merced. For more information on CARE Act services in Merced County, please visit Care Court | Merced County, CA - Official Website.
Source: Merced County