Welcome to the CARE Court Guide
This diagram explains the CARE Court process in LA County:
CARE Court is a voluntary, civil court process that provides community-based behavioral health and ancillary services to Los Angeles County residents living with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. CARE Court provides another tool to engage community members who are not currently receiving appropriate care by offering coordinated, wraparound services including treatment and prioritized housing placements.
Each person on whose behalf a CARE Court petition is filed is entitled to free legal representation, administered by IDCO. Throughout the entire CARE Court process, attorneys assigned by IDCO work on behalf of such CARE Court respondents to preserve their dignity, rights, and liberties. IDCO’s important role in CARE Court ensures that respondents’ voices are heard and are central to the implementation of their individualized, self-directed treatment plans.
Please reach out to us at carecourt@idco.lacounty.gov or (213) 606-4582 with any CARE Court related inquiries.
For additional information on CARE Court, please visit LA County Department of Mental Health or LA County Superior Court.