Statement in Response to the Governors Announcement Regarding California's CARE Court Program Sent on Behalf of the County of Monterey Health Department - Behavioral Health Bureau
CARE Court has been fully implemented in the County of Monterey since December 2024. Since then, the County has seen steady growth in participation—our CARE caseload has doubled since October 2025—and our petition rate of 7.3 per 100,000 residents exceeds the statewide average of 6.2. These outcomes reflect proactive outreach and strong partnerships across local systems.
The County of Monterey did not see a surge in family‑filed petitions when CARE Court launched. This is because most families already feel well‑supported by the County’s strong voluntary Behavioral Health services. Voluntary engagement remains the gold standard for sustainable recovery, and the CARE Act itself prioritizes voluntary treatment whenever possible.
The County maintains close coordination among Behavioral Health, the Superior Court, County Counsel, the Public Defender, and the Public Guardian regarding CARE Court process. This collaboration ensures that each individual receives care in the most appropriate and least restrictive setting—whether through CARE Court or another treatment pathway. This approach prevents duplication of services, improves patient outcomes, and provides strong oversight within the existing system of care.
The County of Monterey welcomes continued partnership with the State on CARE Court, and remains committed to delivering high‑quality, person‑centered behavioral health services for Monterey County residents.
Comments
Post a Comment