First CARE Court Graduates Mark Historic Milestone in San Diego

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Telecare’s CARE Court ACT program in San Diego achieved a groundbreaking milestone with California’s first-ever CARE Court graduations. Within two weeks of each other, two participants completed the program—marking significant personal victories. One member successfully stepped down from LPS Conservatorship, while another overcame a long history of substance use and mental health challenges. Through Telecare’s comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment, both members moved toward recovery, utilizing community resources to achieve their wellness goals and stability.

Understanding CARE Court

The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, implemented in California in 2023, represents a transformative approach to supporting individuals with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. This program offers court-ordered treatment and services while preserving participants’ autonomy and dignity.

The CARE Process

Participants are admitted to the program through a structured and regulated process:

  • Family members, first responders, behavioral health providers, or county representatives may submit petitions on behalf of eligible individuals.

  • A judge thoroughly reviews each case to ascertain that participants meet established eligibility criteria.

  • Qualified individuals engage with a dedicated care team to formulate personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

  • The program provides comprehensive services, including mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and housing assistance.

  • The duration of the program is typically set at 12 months, with the potential for an extension of up to 24 months based on individual circumstances.

Program Implementation

San Diego’s CARE Court ACT program can intake two new members weekly, referred through the Behavioral Health Services Care Team. The program’s success relies on the cohesive effort of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, who collaborate during daily morning huddles. These meetings lay the foundation for intentional services, provide crucial member updates, and ensure thorough follow-up on every case. The team employs evidence-based practices, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and dialectical behavior therapy. Additionally, Care Court ACT leadership meets twice weekly with the county to review cases and coordinate care, ensuring quality service for every member.

These first graduations from Telecare’s program in San Diego hold particular significance as they occurred during the initial implementation phase of CARE Courts. This phase was pioneered in several counties, including San Diego, Glenn, Orange, Riverside, San Francisco, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne, with plans for statewide expansion anticipated by the end of 2024.

The graduations were deeply meaningful celebrations for the entire team. Telecare CARE Court ACT leadership and peer support specialists attended to honor the graduates’ hard work in recovery. For the team, these ceremonies represented more than just program completion—they were a testament to the journey, including both the trials and triumphs they had witnessed along the way. This early success showcases the program’s potential and illustrates Telecare’s dedication to advancing innovative mental health solutions that help individuals reconstruct their lives and flourish within their communities.