Sierra County Launches CARE Act Program

SIERRA COUNTY — On December 1st, Sierra County Superior Court and Sierra County Behavioral Health Department launched the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act Court, a new civil court process that provides support services to people with certain mental health diagnoses and substance abuse disorders.

The CARE Act was written into law through Senate Bill 1338, which added Welfare & Institutions Code Sections 5970-5987 and sets out the general provisions, process, and additional details for the implementation of the CARE Act.

CARE Act is a way to allow people, called “petitioners,” to request voluntary treatment, services, support and a housing plan for themselves or another person, called “respondents,” who have untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. It creates a new pathway to connect eligible individuals to treatment and services by focusing on promoting long-term recovery through a court process.

Beginning December 1, 2024, Sierra County Superior Court will begin accepting petitions to commence CARE Act proceedings. Petitions may be filed at the Courthouse located at 100 Courthouse Square, Downieville, CA 95936. There is no fee required to file a petition for CARE Act.

Self Help Services will be available to assist CARE Act petitioners, respondents, and families as they navigate the CARE Act process. Self-Help services will also help connect individuals to other available resources in the Sierra County community.

CARE Act proceedings will be heard in the Downieville Courthouse, with remote appearances also available. It should be noted that CARE Act petitions, reports, and proceedings are confidential and not open to the public.

For more information on CARE Act proceedings, links to forms and other resources, please visit www.selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/care-act.