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Legal Aid Society of San Diego

  • Call us at
    1-877-534-2524
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    1-800-735-2929
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    1-877-734-3258 (Consumer Center)
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CARE Act Program

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The Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act is a new California law that created a court process for “petitioners” to request voluntary treatment and supportive services for “respondents” who have certain untreated severe mental illnesses, specifically schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. If found eligible, CARE connects respondents with a court-ordered CARE plan or agreement for up to 12 months, with the possibility to extend for an additional 12 months. CARE respondents will be appointed a public defender to represent them through the process.

Who is eligible for the CARE Act?

To be eligible, a person must meet the following criteria:

  • 18 years of age or older,
  • Experiencing a severe mental illness and has a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder,
  • Severe and persistent symptoms, interfering with daily functioning,
  • Is not stabilized with ongoing voluntary outpatient treatment,
  • Participation in the CARE Act is the least restrictive alternative,
  • Will benefit from participating in a CARE plan or CARE agreement,
  • Is either unlikely to survive safely and is deteriorating or intervention is needed to prevent relapse or deterioration.

Who can file a petition (CARE-100) with the court?

A family member, roommate, first responder, licensed behavioral health professional, public guardian/conservator, director/designee of county behavioral health agency, adult protective services, California Indian health services program, or the respondent. (see full list on CARE-100 form)

How To Get Help

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If you need help filling out the petition, please visit our self-help clinics. They cannot give you legal advice or represent you in court. Services are free and provided on a first come, first-served basis.

Self-help clinic hours and locations

For general questions about the CARE Act, call 1-877-734-3258 (option 6). You may also call this number if you are experiencing barriers getting connected to voluntary treatment or if you are a Respondent and have questions about ongoing CARE Act proceedings.

Call 1-877-734-3258 Ext. 6     |     TTY 1-800-735-2929

Or send an email using the contact form.

Self Help Resources

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  • Download our CARE Act Flyer here.
  • The San Diego Superior Court’s CARE Act Webpage provides links to download the CARE Act petition (CARE-100) and other supporting documentation. You can also find information on where and how to file a petition.
  • CalHHS CARE FAQ – Review this FAQ for more information about CARE Act proceedings.
  • San Diego Access and Crisis Line (ACL) – The ACL is a confidential 24/7 line that provides assistance with suicide prevention, crisis intervention, community resources, mental health referrals, and alcohol and drug support services.
  • NAMI Helpline – Contact the NAMI helpline at 1-800-523-5933 for information about support groups, to register for classes, or to find resources.
  • Single Point of Access-ACT & Strengths-Based Case Management - Optum San Diego serves as the single point of access for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Strengths-Based Case Management (SBCM) referrals. Optum provides a standard routing system for the receipt and processing of referrals to the most appropriate program based on the information provided on the referral and additional collateral information available.
  • Optum San Diego Behavioral Health - Community Resources – This Optum webpage provides a list of various community resources available in San Diego.
  • The Public Conservator’s Office  - Contact the Public Conservator’s Office for more information on Lanterman-Petris Short (LPS) conservatorships.

Request a Presentation

Our staff give presentations on a variety of issues to community groups, service providers, and others in low-income communities.

Presentation Request Form

Volunteer to Help

We can always use volunteer assistance. Please contact our pro bono team for opportunities!

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Review our Privacy Notice regarding how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.

Please contact us if you need this information translated into your primary language, large font, Braille, and/or require any other accommodation requests.

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