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CARE Act

CARE stands for Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment. The CARE Act is a way to allow specific people, called “petitioners,” to request voluntary treatment, services, support, and a housing plan for people, called “respondents,” who have certain untreated severe mental illnesses, specifically schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. A respondent must be 18 years of age or older.

CARE Act Proceedings

CARE Act Proceedings

CARE Act proceedings involve assessments and court hearings to determine whether the respondent meets eligibility requirements. The County of Mendocino’s Behavioral Health Services department is involved in the process. If the respondent meets the standards for CARE eligibility, a CARE agreement or plan may be created and, if approved, ordered by the court.

CARE Act proceedings would be the least restrictive alternative to ensure the person’s recovery and stability. Access to and use of community-based services will be integral to the success of all CARE Act participants.

Self-Help Services at the Superior Court

Clinic staff can answer CARE Act procedural questions, assist with forms, and explain legal options. They cannot give you legal advice or represent you in court. Services are free and provided on a first come, first served basis. Self Help hours.

CARE Act Forms and Supporting Documentation

Information packets:

  • Information for Petitioners (Form # CARE-050-INFOPDF) – individuals or agency representatives looking to initiate a court proceeding under the CARE Act requirements
  • Information for Respondents (Form # CARE-060-INFOPDF) – individuals who are the subject of a CARE Act petition

Form required to start CARE Act court proceedings:

Supporting documentation must be attached to the petition in one of two ways:

  • A declaration by a licensed behavioral health professional on the following form: Mental Health Declaration – CARE Act Proceedings (Form # CARE-101PDF); or
  • Evidence that the respondent was detained for a minimum of two intensive treatments, the most recent one within the last 60 days. Evidence can include copies of certification for intensive treatment, a declaration from a witness to the intensive treatment, or other documents showing that the respondent was detained twice for up to 14 days of intensive treatment. Evidence should include the dates of the last treatment period.

Additional forms and translations:

  • Please refer to the Judicial Council of California’s website for additional CARE Act forms. Several forms can be accessed in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese translations.

Where and How to File a Petition

A completed CARE Act Petition (Form # CARE-100PDF) and supporting documentation (Form # CARE-101PDF or other evidence listed above) may be filed in-person at either Courthouse

Ukiah: File at the Civil Clerk’s Office, Room 107 at the Ukiah Courthouse
100 North State Street, Ukiah
This Office accepts filings from 8:30AM to 3:30PM Monday through Friday.

Fort Bragg: File at the Clerk’s Office at the Ten Mile Courthouse
700 S. Franklin Street, Fort Bragg
This office accepts filings from 8:30AM to 3:30PM Monday through Friday.

Completed CARE Act Petitions and supporting documentation may also be filed by mail using the mailing address below:

Mendocino County Superior Court – Ukiah Courthouse
Attn: CARE Act – Room 107
100 N. State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482

There is no fee required to file a Petition for CARE Act proceedings. To begin CARE Act proceedings you do not need to provide anyone except the court with a copy of the Petition, however, you may want to keep a copy of your filed forms for your own records.

All CARE Act cases will be assigned to Department E in the Ukiah Courthouse, regardless of where the petition was filed.

Appearing for CARE Act Proceedings

Appearing for CARE Act Proceedings

Care ACT proceedings are heard in Department E of the Ukiah Courthouse.

Please note there are confidentiality requirements for hearings under the CARE Act. CARE Act hearings are closed to the public and all information related to the respondent’s health including reports, evaluations, diagnosis, and other information, is confidential.

To Appear In-Person:

Please arrive at the Ukiah Courthouse at least 15 minutes before your scheduled hearing and report directly to Department E. There is free 5 hour street parking a couple blocks East and West of the Courthouse.

To Appear Remotely:

You may attend the hearing remotely, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611446839?pwd=R0Fqc3hLaGg1Z3FsODBMbTVwcEw2dz…
Join by Phone: 833 568 8864 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID: 161 144 6839   Passcode: 95482

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