Disability Rights California’s Settlement Agreement with Tulare County

On February 24, 2025, Disability Rights California (DRC) reached a Settlement Agreement with Tulare County that will expand the County’s behavioral health services and prevent unnecessary institutionalization and incarceration. The Settlement is a culmination of a multi-year investigation by DRC and subsequent negotiations with the County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The Settlement requires the County to expand its community-based crisis and behavioral health services, develop new housing opportunities, and ensure equal access for people of color and other underserved communities—so that all residents have access to the services they need without harmful hospitalization or incarceration. The Settlement also requires that services are age-appropriate, person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and gender-affirming.

Independent Expert Reviewer Reports on the County’s Implementation of the Settlement Agreement

Under the agreement, expert Sandra Sinz, who has extensive experience leading and working with County behavioral health programs, will report on the County’s implementation of the Settlement terms over the next three years as the designated subject matter expert. The independent expert will draft comprehensive public reports on the County’s progress and implementation of the Agreement. She will also provide recommendations, if any, for achieving sustained substantial compliance with the terms of the Agreement.

Sandra Sinz, First Report, Submitted March 23, 2026

Significant Case Documents

Media

Media Contact

Sam Mickens
Communications Director
Disability Rights California
sam.mickens@disabilityrightsca.org
(646) 945-0918