Council to Consider New Court Rules to Implement the CARE Act

SAN FRANCISCO—The council at its May 12 business meeting will consider new court rules to implement the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act.

The act establishes a new, noncriminal proceeding that authorizes specified people to petition a civil court to create a voluntary CARE agreement or a court-ordered CARE plan. The plan would include treatment, housing support, and other services for persons with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Once the court has ordered a CARE plan, the court must hold regular status hearings to review the progress of the person under the plan.

The act requires the council to develop a mandatory petition form and other forms necessary for the court process, as well as rules of court to implement provisions of the act.

Report on Pretrial Release Program
The council will also consider a report on the statewide pretrial release program, which supports court programs and practices that promote safe, efficient, fair, and timely pretrial release of individuals booked into jail.

The program supports judicial officers so they can make pretrial release decisions that impose the least restrictive conditions to address public safety that ensure defendants will return to court, as well as implement appropriate monitoring practices and provisions for people released.

This initial report to the council on the program presents preliminary data on booking, release, and demographic characteristics of arrestees.

Other Items on Council Meeting Agenda
The complete council meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center. A link to a live webcast of the meeting will be on the California Courts website on the day of the meeting.