In this webinar, we offer a brief overview of CARE Court, SB 43, and the MHSA-to-BHSA transition, with tips for individuals directly impacted, guidance on supporting loved ones, and resources for community advocacy, featuring insights from disability justice advocates.

Watch the Event

About the webinar:

Join us for an empowering conversation with disability justice advocates as we talk about the CARE Act/CARE Court, and SB 43, what they mean, who they impact, and how to navigate these systems if you or a loved one are directly impacted.

Watch this webinar recording to learn tips for advocacy, explore alternative ways to support loved ones outside of the court system, and gain tools to address vicarious trauma. We also highlight the evolving mental health landscape, including the transition from MHSA to BHSA, and share resources to help you advocate for services that truly meet your mental health needs.

Resources

DRC’s Position Statements and Related Articles

• Disability Rights California Information on CARE Act (SB 1338, Umberg 2022)

DRC's Resource Library

• CARE Court and SB 43 in Plain Language
• SB 43 and CARE Court: Community FAQ
• Handbook for Challenging Mental Health Conservatorships
• County Mental Health Plan (MHP) Grievances, Appeals, and Fair Hearings

Other Resources

• Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) – CARE-ACT
• California Health & Human Services (CalHHS) – CARE Act Working Group

Reach Out to Share Your Experience

• Email us at CARECourt@disabilityrightsca.org

For Disability Related Concerns

• Call DRC’s Intake Line at (800) 776-5746
• DRC Events – DRC offers a wide range of events that explores various disability related topics

Additional Help & Support

• 988 Lifeline
  If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. Call or text 988.
  24-hour, toll-free, confidential support for people in distress. Prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
• Veterans Crisis Line
  Dial 988 then press 1.
  Reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
• National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA
  SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Disaster Distress Helpline for Immediate Crisis Counseling | SAMHSA
  The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
  Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
  
  Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
  
  For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.

Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Services

• FindTreatment.gov
  The confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories. Available in Spanish.

Find Your Local Behavioral Services Contact Information

• California Department of Health Care Services – County Contact, Beneficiary Handbook, and Provider Directory
• DRC's Patients' Rights Advocacy – PRA Directory

Find Foodbanks, Shelter Services, and Other Resources in Your Area

• Contact Your Local 211 | United Way 211 or call 211
• California Association of Food Banks – Find Food
• Shelter Listings – Homeless Shelters, Halfway Houses, Housing For Low Income

Panelists:

Carolina Valle: Director of Power Building, MSW, Disability Rights California

Carolina is a social worker by training, with experience in both clinical work and traditional public policy. Carolina is currently focused on ending poverty traps and building a strong, statewide cross-disability network. Originally from Los Angeles, she’s also a co-founder of the All People’s Health Collective.

Vanessa Ramos, Special Advisor, Disability Rights California, Investigative Unit

Vanessa is a survivor of the Los Angeles drug war, leverages her diverse background in corporate, government, and non-profit sectors to advocate for community-driven solutions. Passionate about addressing state violence and promoting anti-carceral solutions like sustainable housing and mental health initiatives, she draws from her journey through ableist systems. Vanessa shares mindfulness practices across California, blending her expertise in yoga and peace literacy. As a devoted mother, she nurtures inclusive art and green spaces in Hollywood, enriching her community with compassion and dedication.

Monica Porter Gilbert, Associate Director and Senior Counsel of Public Policy, Disability Rights California

Monica's work focuses on mental health and homelessness policy. Monica brings to her work personal and professional experience with mental health systems. Prior to joining DRC, Monica did mental health policy advocacy at the federal level at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, worked to end homelessness at Homebase, and represented people with mental health disabilities in impact litigation at Disability Rights Advocates. Monica holds a J.D. from the George Washington University Law School and a B.A. from UC Berkeley in Social Welfare, with minors in Public Policy and Disability Studies.