US EditionNewsom threatens California counties for failing to use his new mental health court
Gov. Newsom announced $291 million to support CARE Court housing and behavioral health programs, naming 10 counties for improvement and emphasizing accountability to reduce homelessness.
- On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened to take funding from counties not adequately using the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Court and announced $291 million in new housing and behavioral health investments.
- CARE Court rolled out in eight counties at the end of 2023 and statewide by December 2024, designed to help vulnerable people with psychosis and homelessness, though CalMatters found it served fewer than expected and struggled to house individuals.
- Through January, Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, said the state received 3,817 petitions, judges approved 893 treatment agreements, and more than 4,000 people were diverted from CARE.
- State officials offered technical assistance and training through the CARE Improvement and Coordination Unit to underperforming counties, increasing pressure on local governments ahead of the 2026-2027 budget process.
- The 2024 measure authorized more than $6 billion in bonds and rolled out $291 million in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention funds, including $131.8 million for 443 homes as part of California's broader homelessness initiatives.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Local officials push back as Newsom says Kern is 'underperforming' on CARE Courts
Gov. Gavin Newsom listed Kern County as one of 10 counties that was “underperforming” in terms of implementing the state’s new CARE Court mental health program, saying state funding could be rescinded if certain improvements aren’t made.
Los Angeles, other counties could lose Care Court funding, Newsom says
Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling out counties he says are dragging their feet on California's CARE Court program. The program, launched in 2023, aims to get homeless people off the streets and connected with housing and social services. But the governor believes several counties are not doing their part. At least 10 counties are moving [...]
Gov. Newsom to Spend Another $1 Billion on Homeless
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans Monday to allocate an additional $1 billion to support his homelessness programs, focusing on expanding housing and behavioral health services. Newsom now claims he is “Repairing California’s behavioral health system,” which he says he began in 2019. Gov. Newsom also claims California’s first statewide drop in unsheltered homelessness in more than 15 years, but they probably died on the streets, b…
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