1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org June 22, 2022
The Honorable Jim Wood
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N St, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 1338 (Umberg) Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program
Notice of SUPPORT IF AMENDED (As Amended June 6, 2022)
Dear Assembly Member Wood,
The League of California Cities (Cal Cities) is pleased to support if amended SB 1338 (Umberg) and the creation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court program. Cal Cities looks forward to promoting the success of the CARE Court program in communities throughout the state and is seeking amendments to ensure effective implementation.
Local governments are on the front lines addressing homelessness in every community, regardless of size or location. For unsheltered individuals with severe behavioral health needs, access to a comprehensive care system is an essential component of addressing their housing needs and long-term stability. Cal Cities is eager to support the primary goal of this measure, to ensure our most vulnerable residents have access to essential care.
SB 1338 would establish a civil court process that supports individuals living with untreated schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders. The CARE Court program, as detailed in SB 1338, would connect individuals with a court-ordered care plan managed by a care team in the community. These CARE plans could include clinically prescribed, individualized interventions with several supportive services, medication, and a housing plan.
While we are eager to see the benefits of the CARE Court program in our communities, Cal Cities wants to ensure the effective implementation of this new approach. To this end, Cal Cities supports amendments to provide adequate time and funding to operationalize the CARE Court program throughout our state. Specifically, Cal Cities supports a phased-in approach to statewide implementation of the CARE Court program to better understand and balance the potential challenges and costs that may accompany this proposed measure. This could include assessing housing needs and the actual impacts on county behavioral health caseloads. A phased-in approach would allow for refinements to the program to allow for implementation of best practices learned. A well-executed program with adequate time to ramp-up will ensure a strong basis for the future, better outcomes for the individuals in this program, and long-term success.
Cal Cities appreciates the $65 million included in the 2022-23 State Budget to support the implementation of the CARE Court program. To ensure effective program administration, long-term funding must be dedicated to this new program. Additionally, addressing workforce shortages is essential to support the demands of this new program. That is why Cal Cities supports additional funding in the 2022-23 State Budget, and annually thereafter to ensure all new obligations for local governments are supported by sufficient funding.
Apart from adequate funding, Cal Cities is requesting amendments that would require the inclusion of cities in the development of CARE plans, in the event that cities are required to participate in providing services and support. As written, this measure could require city participation in the implementation of CARE plans but would not allow a city to partake in developing the plan. If cities are required to provide services and supports, it is paramount that they have a voice in CARE plan development, given the programming and funding implications.
The 2022 Cal Cities State Action Agenda seeks to increase funding and resources to prevent homelessness and assist individuals experiencing homelessness. SB 1338 is a step towards addressing this priority, by creating an additional tool to connect unsheltered Californians experiencing the most acute mental health challenges with access to comprehensive treatment and housing. If amended to address Cal Cities’ concerns related to implementation, the CARE Court program would be an effective means for providing services to those in need.
For these reasons, Cal Cities supports SB 1338 if amended. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at (916) 580-5075 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Caroline Cirrincione
Legislative Affairs, Lobbyist
cc. The Honorable Tom Umberg
Members, Assembly Health Committee
Judith Babcock, Senior Consultant, Assembly Health Committee Gino Folchi, Consultant, Assembly Republican Caucus