SB 1016: Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program and court-ordered evaluations.

This bill aims to expand the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) court program, which provides behavioral health services to adults with severe mental illnesses. The program allows for court-ordered evaluations under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS Act) if a petitioner believes the respondent may not be willing or able to participate due to their mental disorder or lack of insight. The court can issue an order for a mental health evaluation if probable cause is established. The bill also requires counties to provide a higher level of service for this program. Additionally, the bill includes technical changes and makes other conforming adjustments.