The petition helps a judge determine if an individual may be eligible for CARE.

Key points to include:

• Confirmed or provisional diagnosis of an eligible psychotic or mood disorder.
• Observed symptoms and behaviors that are severe in degree and persistent in nature (e.g., delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, disorganized speech/behavior, blunted affect, seclusive behavior).
• Declining mental/physical state affecting basic needs.
• Challenges with self-care tasks (e.g., personal hygiene, dressing).
• Issues with housing, transportation, and finances.
• Difficulty forming and maintaining social relationships.
• Repeated refusal of or interruptions to treatment, including ineffective treatment.

For more information, see the Resources for Petitioners page.