California's CARE Court Struggles to Meet Expectations

The new program aimed at getting homeless people with severe mental illness into treatment has fallen short of its goals.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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When California Governor Gavin Newsom launched the CARE Court program two years ago, it was expected to serve 7,000 to 12,000 people with severe mental illness. However, the program has so far failed to meet those projections, leaving many families struggling to get their loved ones the necessary treatment.

Why it matters

The CARE Court program was intended to be a new solution to address homelessness and mental health issues in California, but its shortcomings have left vulnerable populations without access to critical services. This raises concerns about the state's ability to effectively support those in need of comprehensive mental health treatment.

The details

According to a recent report by The San Francisco Chronicle, the CARE Court program has struggled to connect people with the treatment it was designed to provide. The article highlights the story of a mother who has been urgently trying to secure a CARE Court treatment plan for her son, underscoring the challenges families face in navigating the system.

  • The CARE Court program was launched by Governor Gavin Newsom two years ago, in 2024.
  • The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported on the program's struggles to meet its goals.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who launched the CARE Court program.

Sophia Bollag

A politics reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle who recently wrote about the CARE Court program's challenges.

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What they’re saying

“When Gov. Gavin Newsom launched CARE Court two years ago, it was envisioned as a new solution to get homeless people with severe mental illness off the streets and into treatment.”

— Marisa Lagos (kqed.org)

The takeaway

The struggles of the CARE Court program highlight the ongoing challenges in providing comprehensive mental health treatment and support for vulnerable populations in California. This raises questions about the state's ability to effectively address homelessness and mental health issues, and the need for further improvements to ensure those in need can access the services they require.