The 2026 CARE Act Annual Report examines implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act across California and fulfills the reporting requirements outlined in Welfare and Institutions Code section 5985(e). Produced by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) in consultation with the Judicial Council, county behavioral health agencies, and state partners, the report covers the first 21 months of CARE Act implementation, from October 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025. It provides statewide data on CARE petitions, court processes, participant demographics, outreach and engagement activities, services and supports accessed, housing outcomes, statutory system referrals, and county implementation efforts. Findings are intended to support ongoing monitoring, planning, and quality improvement as counties continue to implement CARE statewide.
Because CARE Act implementation is still in its early stages and county data systems continue to evolve, findings should be interpreted as a snapshot of implementation rather than a measure of program effectiveness. An independent evaluation of the CARE Act is currently underway, with preliminary findings expected in December 2026 and a final report due in December 2028.
Click the ‘View/Download Resource’ button to view the 2026 CARE Act Annual Report on the DHCS website. Once on the DHCS website, scroll down to ‘DCHS Resources’ under ‘Reports and Important Updates.’