Santa Clara County’s new mental and behavioral health court, designed to voluntarily steer people into treatment plans, recently began operation.

The county’s Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court, or CARE Court, provides plans for people with untreated “psychotic-type” disorders for up to two years under the supervision of a civil court, according to county officials.

Those eligible will get support services from the county’s Behavioral Health Services Department, including individualized behavioral health treatment, medication and a housing plan.

People enrolled in the CARE Court program have access to a public defender and an advocate to help guide care decisions.

While a judge decides who is eligible, people can be referred to the program by a family member, clinician or first responder, and some participants are able to receive services while avoiding the court process, according to county officials.

“CARE Court intends to focus on residents who are experiencing homelessness, have intersected with law enforcement, and are living with significant, often complex behavioral health needs,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. “The key to the success of CARE is that each person’s plan is tailored to their specific needs, preserves individual agency, and ensures connections to resources that will support sustainable recovery.”

A brochure with more information about the CARE Act and court process is available online.

Kiley Russell writes primarily for Local News Matters on issues related to equity and the environment. A Bay Area native, he has lived most of his life in Oakland. He studied journalism at San Francisco State University, worked for the Associated Press and the former Contra Costa Times, among other outlets. He has covered everything from state legislatures, local governments, federal and state courts, crime, growth and development, political campaigns of various stripes, wildfires and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.