With more than 100,000 people living on California’s streets, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a first-of-its kind law that could force some of them into treatment.
FILE—Gov. Gavin Newsom, speaking at a mental health treatment center in San Jose, Calif., announces"Care Court," a program that would let courts order treatment for some homeless people suffering from mental health disorders on Thursday, March 3, 2022. On Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, Newsom signed a law creating the program. He said it will take a few year to fully implement. With more than 100,000 people living on California’s streets, Gov.
For decades, California has mostly treated homelessness as a local problem, funneling billions of dollars to city and county governments each year for various treatment programs. But despite all of that spending, homelessness remains one of the state's most pressing and visible issues. Newsom signed the law over the strong objections of the American Civil Liberties Union of California, Human Rights Watch, Disability Rights California and numerous other organizations that work with homeless people, minority communities and people with disabilities who say the new program will violate civil rights.
That means people struggling with alcohol and opioid addiction won't qualify unless they have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Each of California's 58 counties would have to set up special courts to handle these cases. Counties that don't participate could be fined up to $1,000 per day.
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