The Truth About CARE Court
The Truth About CARE Court
FACT
The status quo is inadequate housing and inadequate services, and it isn’t working. The status quo is what CARE Court endorses—we oppose the status quo.
MYTH
DRC and other opponents support “the status quo.”
FACT
CARE Court will control any person accused of needing help. And unqualified people can make these accusations, such as roommates or police officers. CARE Court has already cost California significant resources—$88 million to start and much more to follow. For only 12,000 people? Of course not.
MYTH
CARE Court affects no more than 12,000 people in California.
FACT
Ordering involuntary treatment and possible confinement is not a caring way to avoid dealing with unhoused people. Compassion is increasing services and affordable housing opportunities to help people get “off the streets” voluntarily.
MYTH
CARE Court is “compassion” for those who refuse help.
FACT
CARE Court involves court orders. Court orders bring people into the system, order treatment, and then order punishment (such as conservatorships or institutionalization) if the person does not voluntarily comply. Ironically, CARE Court does not order that more housing is built for unhoused people.
MYTH
CARE Court is voluntary.