As California cities struggle to address a homelessness and mental health crisis on their streets, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration on Thursday unveiled a proposal to compel more people with severe psychiatric disorders and addiction issues into court-ordered care that includes medication and housing.
The proposal, which Newsom is calling the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court , is the state’s latest effort to address one of California’s greatest struggles, and a recognition that something more robust is needed to solve the problem. Newsom allocated $12 billion for homelessness in the state budget last year, and proposed another $2 billion in his January financial blueprint. But implementing a court-ordered response to mental illness and substance abuse disorders would accelerate the state’s multi-pronged strategy to help thousands of people get much-needed services.
Read more at the Los Angeles Times.