Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Homelessness and mental illness alone are not enough to meet eligibility requirements.

A respondent must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for CARE:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder or another psychotic disorder in the same class.
• Be currently experiencing a mental illness that:
  • Is severe in degree and persistent in duration,
  • May cause behavior that greatly interferes substantially with activities of daily living, and
  • May lead to an inability to maintain stable adjustment and independent functioning without treatment, support, and rehabilitation for a long or indefinite period.
• Not be clinically stabilized in ongoing voluntary treatment.

Additionally, at least one of the following must be true:

• The respondent is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision and the respondent’s condition is substantially deteriorating.
• The respondent needs services and supports to prevent a relapse or deterioration that would likely result in grave disability or serious harm to the respondent or others.

The respondent’s participation in a CARE plan or CARE agreement must:

• Be the least restrictive alternative necessary to ensure the respondent’s recovery and stability, and
• Be likely to benefit the respondent.

A petition should provide facts and supporting information that shows that a respondent is likely to be eligible (see form CARE-050-INFO). A judge will determine if the information indicates the individual meets or may meet eligibility, and they may ask a county behavioral health agency to investigate and make a recommendation on eligibility.

See the Eligibility Fact Sheet and CARE Act Resources for Petitioners for more information.

Beginning January 1 2026, bipolar I disorder with psychotic features will be included as an eligible diagnosis.