The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the upcoming implementation of the Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court, set to begin on October 1, 2025. This initiative aims to provide court-ordered treatment for individuals with serious mental illnesses, particularly those diagnosed with schizophrenia who are not currently engaged in care.

During the meeting, officials from the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSS) presented updates on the preparations for CARE Court. The program is designed to intervene before individuals reach a crisis point, offering a less restrictive alternative to conservatorship and assisted outpatient treatment. The goal is to encourage voluntary treatment while allowing judges to order participation in treatment plans when necessary.

Dr. Angelica Almeida from DPH highlighted that the CARE Court will not allow for involuntary medications or treatment but will leverage the authority of the court to encourage individuals to engage in care. The process for individuals to enter CARE Court involves a minimum of 4.5 months from the filing of a petition to a court order, emphasizing the program's focus on long-term support rather than immediate intervention.

The meeting also addressed the anticipated challenges in implementing CARE Court, particularly concerning staffing shortages in behavioral health services. Officials expressed concerns that without additional state funding, the demand for services may exceed current capacity, potentially displacing individuals already waiting for treatment.

As San Francisco prepares to lead the way in this new approach to mental health care, officials are optimistic about the potential benefits of CARE Court. They aim to provide a structured support system that prioritizes engagement and recovery, ultimately improving the lives of those struggling with serious mental health issues in the community. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to file the hearing as heard and filed, marking a significant step toward the implementation of this critical program.