CARE Act Program
Starting on October 1, 2023, San Diego County will launch the CARE Act program. This program is intended to create a new pathway to connect individuals struggling with certain mental health conditions to voluntary treatment through the civil court process.
The CARE Act has a narrow focus and is intended to only assist adults 18 years and older who are severely impaired, specifically those diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic spectrum disorders. This is NOT an emergency court and is not intended to be utilized as a crisis service.
This is a court ordered process wherein the eligible individual receiving CARE Act services is connected to treatment and services, and whose progress is monitored by the Court for a minimum of one year. This is a voluntary process and individuals cannot be forced to participate. All individuals who participate in this process will be provided with a free Public Defender who will represent their interests throughout the process.
How To Get Help
For general questions and assistance navigating this process, Legal Aid offers the following to assist San Diegans interested in this program:
Call to speak to our intake team, Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm
Call 1-877-734-3258 Ext. 6 | TTY 1-800-735-2929
Or send an email using the contact form here.
Self-help clinic assistance: M-F, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Hall of Justice
330 W. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Room 251
San Diego, CA 92101
Please check back as we will be offering additional in-person assistance at alternate locations in the North, East and South County.
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