CARE Act
CARE Act
Overview
Through a new State law, Ventura County implemented the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program on December 1, 2024. In collaboration with County and community partners, the CARE Act program creates a new pathway to deliver mental health and substance use services to individuals who are diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders and are not engaged in treatment.
Families, clinicians, first responders, and others may begin the process by filing a petition with the civil court to connect people (ages 18+) to court-ordered voluntary treatment if they meet criteria and would benefit from the program. See below for more details:
Process
(1) Referral:
A referral is initiated by filing a petition with the Superior Court. Petitions must include required documentation to establish clinical history.
(2) Initial Determination:
The Superior Court makes an initial determination as to whether the petition appears to meet criteria for the CARE Act Program.
(3) Investigation and Engagement:
The Ventura County Behavioral Health Department (VCBH) will investigate and report back with a recommendation regarding the establishment of a CARE Act case. At the same time, VCBH will reach out to the petitioned individual and work to engage them with treatment and may avoid the need for a CARE Act case.
(4) Establishing a CARE Agreement/Plan:
If the Superior Court determines that a case should be established, a CARE Agreement or Plan will be developed with VCBH, in partnership with the petitioned individual and their counsel. The CARE Agreement or Plan will be submitted to the Superior Court for review.
(5) Connection to Services:
Once a CARE Agreement or Plan is accepted by the Superior Court, VCBH and its network of community-based providers will actively engage the individual for whom a CARE Agreement or Plan is being established to connect to services, including behavioral health treatment, stabilization medication, a housing plan, and other supports as needed.
Program participation is 12 months but may be extended depending upon individual circumstances. Visit the Superior Court of California County of Ventura CARE Act webpage for complete details including eligibility, how to file a petition, helpful links and forms, and frequently asked questions.
Get Help
Although not everyone will meet criteria for the CARE Act program, Ventura County Behavioral Health provides substance use and mental health treatment options, which do not require a CARE Act process to access. If you or a loved one are seeking behavioral health services, referrals, or have questions about the CARE Act program, call the Ventura County Behavioral Health Access and Crisis Line at 1-866-998-2243.
Ventura County Court Self Help can also assist those who are petitioning for themselves or on behalf of a loved one. Call : 805-289-8812
Informational Resources
CARE Act Presentations
- English