Individuals must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for CARE Court: 

• 18 years of age or older
• Not clinically stabilized in ongoing treatment
• Diagnosed with a disorder within the "schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders" OR "bipolar I disorder with psychotic features" AND currently experiencing symptoms
• Individuals with misdemeanor and/or felony charges who are found incompetent to stand trial and individuals who were not foreseen to benefit from mental health diversion or assisted outpatient treatment 
• The individual's mental health is substantially deteriorating, and they are unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision and/or need services and support to prevent relapse and deterioration
• Participation in a CARE Agreement is the least restrictive alternative and the individual is likely to benefit from participation in a CARE Agreement.

The person who is subject to the petition for the CARE Court process is referred to as the "respondent".

Family/Home

• Person with whom respondent resides
• Spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent or other individual in place of a parent
• Respondent (self-petition)

Community

• First responder (peace officer, firefighter, paramedic, mobile crisis response, homeless outreach worker)
• Director of a hospital, or designee, in which respondent is hospitalized (including for Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 and 5250 holds)
• Licensed behavioral health professional, or designee treating respondent for mental illness
• Director of a public/charitable organization providing behavioral health services to the respondent in whose institution the respondent resides

County

• County behavioral health director, or designee 
• Public guardian, or designee
• Director of adult protective services, or designee

Tribal Jurisdiction

• Director of a California Indian health services program, California tribal behavioral health department, or designee
• Judge of a tribal court located in CA, or designee

To connect an individual to CARE, an individual may complete a referral or enter a petition. 

Referral Process

• Completing a referral is an attempt to engage an individual in voluntary treatment. 
• After a referral form is completed, Telecare, a KernBHRS Contract Provider, will provide outreach and engagement services to the individual while evaluating the potential client/respondent for CARE Court eligibility. 
• If the client/respondent is determined eligible, Telecare works with County Counsel to complete and submit a petition to the court. 
• If the client/respondent is determined ineligible, Telecare refers/links them to community resources/services. 

Petition Process

• You can bypass the referral process and enter a petition directly with the Kern Superior Court

• Complete a CARE Act Referral Form
• Email the completed form to CARECourt@KernBHRS.org

Eligible petitioners must complete and submit the following materials to begin the CARE Court process: 

• CARE-100 form
• CARE-101 Mental Health Declaration from a licensed behavioral health provider OR attached evidence to the CARE-100 form that the person in need of services was detained for a minimum of two short periods of intensive treatment (WIC 5250 hold process) and the most recent event occurred within the past 60 days. 
• Completed CARE Act Petitions and supporting documentation can be filed at Courthouses throughout Kern County. For a full listing, please see the next tab.
• Completed Care Act Petitions and supporting documentation can also be filed by mail using the following address: 

Kern County Superior Court - Metropolitan Justice Building
ATTN: CARE Act Clerk - 1st Floor
1215 Truxtun Ave. 
Bakersfield, CA 93301

As of October 2024, CARE Act petitions will be accepted at the Metropolitan Justice Building in Bakersfield and at any branch location. All CARE Act cases will be assigned to the Metropolitan Justice Building Division, regardless of where the petition is filed 

1. Identification and Assessment: Individuals who may benefit from the CARE program are identified through various channels, such as law enforcement, social services or community organizations. A court petition is required to start the process of assessing the individual's eligibility for the CARE Act. A thorough assessment of their needs is conducted to determine the appropriate level of care and services. 
2. Inclusive-Based Team Care: The individual's self-determination and input into their needs and care are critical to provide an inclusive care plan. Service providers will engage the individual to determine whether a Care Plan can be achieved.
3. Court-Ordered Care Plan: Based on the individual's needs, a collaborative and personalized Care Plan is developed and may be ordered by the court. This plan details the necessary services and supports to meet the needs of the person. The individual will receive services under their plan for approximately one year. Review hearings will be scheduled periodically to assess the progress and ensure accountability. 
4. Community-Based Services: The Care Plan outlines a range of community-based services and supports that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. This may include case management, peer support, counseling, and educational services to help the individual transition into society. 
5. Stabilization Medications: Stabilization medications may be provided to manage symptoms and promote recovery as part of the Care Plan. In certain circumstances, stabilization medication may be ordered by the court. However, forced medications is not part of the CARE Act process. 
6. Wellness and Recovery Supports: The Care Plan also encompasses wellness and recovery support, including healthcare, nutrition, and exercise programs, as well as social and recreational activities. 
7. Housing and Social Services: A crucial aspect of the Care Plan is the provision of stable housing and connection to social services, such as employment assistance and financial support, to promote self-sufficiency and long-term recovery. 
8. Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation: Throughout the duration of the Care Plan, the individual's progress is monitored and adjustments are made as needed. Court involvement encourages compliance and accountability. 

The successful implementation of the CARE Act relies on a strong collaboration between stakeholders. These partnerships are essential to ensure that individuals receive the necessary support and services throughout the process. Key partners in implementing the CARE Act include:

• Court System: The Superior Court of Kern County plays a crucial role in overseeing the CARE Act process, from ordering the Care Plan to monitoring the individual's progress and encouraging with the program's requirements. 
• Behavioral Health Professionals: Behavioral health and substance use disorder professionals are essential in conducting assessments, developing individualized Care Plans and providing necessary treatment and support services. 
• Housing Specialists: Housing experts help connect individuals with stable and affordable housing options, which is a critical component of promoting long-term recovery. 
• Attorneys: Attorneys play a role in advocating for the individuals in the CARE Act program, ensuring their rights are protected and helping them navigate the legal process. The court will determine if an individual is found to be eligible for the CARE Act. At that time, legal counsel will be provided to represent the individual. 
• Law Enforcement: Local law enforcement agencies work collaboratively with the CARE Act program to identify potentially eligible individuals, connect them with appropriate services, and support their progress throughout the program. 
• Hospitals: Hospitals and other medical facilities, including EMS are important partners in providing acute care for individuals in crisis, as well as ongoing medical care and stabilization medications as required by the Care Plan
• Cities and Local Government: Municipalities and local government agencies are vital in supporting the implementation of the CARE Act by providing resources, coordinating services, and facilitating community transition for individuals in the program. 

These partnerships are essential in creating a comprehensive and effective network of support for individuals with severe mental health disorders. By working together, these stakeholders can help break the cycle of homelessness and incarceration, promote long-term recovery, and foster safer and healthier communities in Kern County.