Court and Justice Involved Programs

Justice Involved Initiative

The CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative aims to connect eligible Californians who are incarcerated to community-based care upon their release. In addition, the initiative offers them services up to 90 days before their release to stabilize their health conditions and establish a plan for their community-based care (collectively referred to as “pre-release services”). Pre-release and community-based care services are available to Medi-Cal members who meet the following eligibility criteria: 

* Adults who meet one or more of the following health needs criteria: confirmed or suspected mental health diagnosis, a substance use disorder or suspected diagnosis, a chronic clinical condition or significant non-chronic clinical condition, a traumatic brain injury, intellectual or development disability, a positive test or diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or are pregnant or within a 12-month postpartum period.

* Youth who are in custody of a youth correctional facility do not need to meet clinical criteria.

Behavioral Health Linkages

Sierra County Behavioral Health receives pre-release referrals from correctional facilities for individuals who have screened as meeting the criteria for county-level behavioral health services upon their release. This pre-release referral aids in continuity of care upon the individual’s release from custody. Individuals who are identified in the screening process as having mild to moderate mental health needs are referred to the individual’s managed care plan for services. 

Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program

What is CARE court?

* A new civil court process designed to link individuals who have specific mental health diagnoses to county behavioral health services, under the oversight of a judge, for up to 24 consecutive months.

* Includes a clinically-indicated, individualized treatment plan with supportive services and a dedicated team.

* Meant to address complex mental health needs and prevent deterioration in the community.

CARE Court: 

* Is NOT a criminal court.

* Does NOT include persons with any/all mental health conditions.

* Is NOT a solution for homelessness.

CARE Court is a way to allow specific people, called "petitioners," to request voluntary treatment, services, support, and a housing plan for people, called "respondents," who have certain untreated severe mental illness, specifically schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. The petitioner and respondent must be 18 years of age or older.

If you have questions regarding filing a petition visit: Sierra County Superior Court

Sierra County Superior Court CARE Act Public Notice

CARE Act Eligibility Criteria: CARE Court Video

For Petitioners

A petition may be filled out by specific named people or agencies. DHCS has offered this Petition Video to help understand the process, who can petition, and the key documents. It is the requirement of the petitioner to obtain all necessary information prior to submitting the petition. Only after the court determines that a person appears to meet the criteria for CARE Court does the court appoint Behavioral Health to engage with the person. 

In addition, Self Help Centers (link above) can assist petitioners with legal and procedural information but cannot offer legal or clinical advice.

LPS Conservatorship

Behavioral Health and the Public Guardian's Office work together to assess and provide treatment to a select group of individuals who are undergoing need of long-term, locked treatment following a psychiatric hospitalization. These facilities are called the Institute of Mental Disease. The person is determined to be gravely disabled, with an inability to access or utilize food, clothing, and shelter following a psychiatric hospitalization.

Mental Health Court

A specialty court that coordinates the delivery of services from multiple agencies for consumers charged or convicted of a qualifying offense. Representatives from participating agencies include Behavioral Health, Probation, Public Defender, private attorneys, and the Turning Point ACT team. These representatives dialogue with the person and the Mental Health Court judge, and meet every other week to review and monitor treatment. It takes most participants about one year to complete the three required stages, with each stage lasting four months. The first stage requires attendance at hearings every two weeks, and stages two and three require monthly hearings.

Mental Health Diversion

Mental Health Diversion is a program designed to redirect individuals with mental health diagnoses away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment and support services. This approach aims to address the underlying mental health conditions that contribute to criminal behavior, promoting rehabilitation rather than punishment. By providing access to mental health care, support programs, and community resources, mental health diversion helps individuals regain stability, improve their well-being, and reduce recidivism, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

Department of State Hospitals (DSH) Diversion

The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) Diversion program focuses on providing alternatives to hospitalization for individuals with mental health conditions who are involved in the criminal justice system. By offering timely access to community-based treatment and resources, the program aims to prevent unnecessary institutionalization while ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate care and support they need. This initiative emphasizes rehabilitation and recovery, helping participants reintegrate into their communities, reduce recidivism, and improve overall mental health outcomes.