California’s CARE Court Falls Far Short of Promises: A Deep Dive into Broken Mental Health Reform

When Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled the CARE Court program nearly three years ago, he promised a bold solution to California's spiraling mental health and homelessness crises. He sharply criticized previous efforts like Laura’s Law, highlighting how only a few hundred people received help under such initiatives. CARE Court was pitched as a game-changer—a program that would empower families, first responders, and courts to intervene effectively on behalf of those suffering severe psychosis, compelling treatment when necessary. Why Has CARE Court Delivered Just a Fraction of Its Promised Impact? Fast forward to today, and the data reveal a sobering reality: CARE...