DATE:
May 24, 2022
26
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF VULNERABLE AND HOMELESS POPULATIONS: SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE RECOVERY AND EMPOWERMENT (CARE) COURT (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
San Diego is facing a growing behavioral health and homelessness crisis. The most recent Point-in-Time Count in 2020 found at least 3,971 unsheltered people experiencing homelessness, some of whom have untreated behavioral health needs.1 The County of San Diego (County) is charged with providing care and support to our most vulnerable populations. To achieve the best possible health outcomes, people experiencing homelessness or a behavioral health crisis need coordinated care amongst various systems, community partners, and governmental agencies. We must find innovative and compassionate solutions to help those most urgently in need.
In March 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced a policy framework that seeks to assist people living with untreated mental health and substance use disorders. The policy framework, the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court, is a court-ordered plan that connects a person with 24 months of case management and services. These services include a public defender and clinical support services, as well as a housing plan.
In San Diego County, the CARE Court framework could play an important role in helping people with very specific needs access treatment. However, successful implementation of CARE Court is dependent upon building and scaling out a new system of care, workforce, and infrastructure that aligns with the proposed framework. The responsibility for CARE Court, as currently envisioned, places these responsibilities with counties, however, collaboration, resources and support on the part of all levels of government are required.
Today's action would direct the County to support the CARE Court framework while also advocating for the necessary funding, workforce developmen...
Click here for full text