March 2026

System partners play a critical role in identifying eligible individuals and initiating CARE Act petitions and referrals. The TTA resource Engaging with System Partner Petitioners at the County Level describes who may file a CARE petition or make a statutory referral and explains how collaboration with county BH agencies can improve alignment, reduce duplication, and strengthen outcomes. It outlines system partner roles during the referral and petition phase, as well as what to expect after a petition is filed, including participation in initial court appearances before county BH assumes the petitioner role. The resource also highlights confidentiality and information sharing considerations and provides links to trainings and tools counties can share to support effective engagement across systems.

Many county BH agencies have worked to strengthen their relationships with the system partners in their counties, sharing information related to the CARE Act and beginning to collaborate more seamlessly during the petition process. County BH agencies are encouraged to share overview materials with system partners:

• Petitioning at a Glance – Short Video: Overview of petitioning for system partners, including tips for what to expect and what to include. Consider sharing this video when initially engaging with potential partners, introducing petitioning to a broad audience, and promoting CARE through newsletters and social media channels.
• Completing a CARE Act Petition: A Tutorial for Key Steps and Tips: Provides guidance on how to complete a CARE Act petition. It outlines the overall purpose of the petition, the type of information that should be included across the required forms, and what to expect during the court’s review process.
• CARE Act at a Glance: Provides an overall look at the CARE Act and answers to frequently asked questions. Consider sharing with system partners to provide to their members/employees, hang up in offices, and share with their partners.
• CARE Act Eligibility Criteria Fact Sheet: Overview of eligibility criteria, CARE-eligible diagnoses, and additional information. Consider sharing when there are questions about eligibility for CARE.

County BH agencies can also share resources with specific system partners:

• Public Guardians & Conservators training and brief.
• Hospitals & Emergency Departments training and brief.
• Behavioral Health & Social Service Providers training and brief.
• First Responders training and brief.