California Governor Gavin Newsom’s flagship mental health initiative, the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Courts, is facing challenges in Orange County. Launched in September 2022, the program aimed to help homeless individuals with schizophrenia receive necessary treatment. However, nearly two years later, the program has only placed one person on a mandated plan and another dozen on voluntary agreements, with just one person graduating from the program.
The County of Orange has invested at least $9.3 million into the initiative, raising concerns about its cost-effectiveness. Orange County Healthcare Agency Director Veronica Kelley expressed frustration, noting that resources are being diverted from other successful programs to support CARE. Kelley emphasized the importance of voluntary participation, stating that coercion is ineffective in building trust with the mentally ill population.
Despite these challenges, some, like state Senator Tom Umberg, believe the program is a step in the right direction. He highlighted the program’s intent to provide an alternative to homelessness and despair for participants…