California bill seeks to expand family roles in mental health courts

A new bill aimed at strengthening family involvement in California’s CARE Court system has moved forward in the state legislature. Senate Bill 1242 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 29 and will now be debated on the Senate floor. The proposal seeks to ensure family members can continue supporting loved ones in mental health treatment, even without the respondent’s explicit consent. CARE Court was created in 2022 under Senate Bill 1338 to help mentally ill individuals access voluntary treatment services. Since then, concerns have grown about the rising number of inmates with mental health conditions in California’s jails. Data shows the share of mentally ill inmates climbed from 20% in January 2010 to 53% by June 2023. In 2023 alone, around 19,000 inmates were recorded as having some form of mental illness.

Senate Bill 1242 removes the need for a respondent’s consent before family members can share information with the court. The change applies if the family originally petitioned for the individual’s involvement in CARE Court. However, a judge retains the power to block family participation if it harms the respondent’s treatment or well-being. Critics argue the bill could limit a respondent’s right to choose a trusted support person. Supporters, though, believe it will help keep families engaged in the care process when their loved one may be unable or unwilling to cooperate.

The bill now advances to the full Senate for further debate. If approved, it would alter how family involvement is handled in CARE Court cases. The adjustment comes as California grapples with a growing number of mentally ill individuals in its jail system.