The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the implementation of Care Court, a new program aimed at addressing the needs of individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses. The meeting served as a starting point for discussions about the challenges and opportunities presented by this legislation, which is set to take effect by October 1, 2025.

Care Court, proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom and enacted as SB 1338, is designed to connect individuals with conditions like schizophrenia to court-ordered care plans. Participants will be referred to the program by family members, behavioral health providers, or first responders. San Francisco is among the first seven counties required to implement this initiative, with estimates suggesting that between 1,000 to 2,000 individuals may be eligible for enrollment in the program, with a target of 300 to 400 participants in the first year.

During the meeting, officials expressed concerns about the city's capacity to provide adequate care for those with severe mental illnesses. The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges in expanding inpatient behavioral health placements, with a particular emphasis on the need for dual diagnosis treatment beds. Despite previous legislative efforts aimed at improving care, officials noted that many restrictions have hindered effective implementation.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) has established an internal advisory group to assess the demand for Care Court and strategize its rollout. However, questions remain regarding the availability of necessary resources, including staff and treatment facilities. The meeting concluded with a proposal to continue discussions after the budget process in July, allowing for a more comprehensive update on the program's progress before its official launch.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing mental health issues in San Francisco, as officials grapple with the complexities of implementing Care Court and ensuring that adequate support systems are in place for vulnerable populations.