September 2025

In the CARE process, each respondent can choose a volunteer supporter (also referred to as a supporter) who is chosen by the respondent to provide support throughout the CARE process. The supporter should help the respondent understand, make, and communicate decisions and express preferences throughout CARE proceedings. The volunteer supporter is distinct from peer workers on behavioral health teams; they are selected by the respondent and may be a family member, friend, or community partner.

Volunteer supporters help build trust and continuity and are considered a key feature of person-centered care for CARE respondents. The first Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act Annual Report, which leverages data from the first nine months of from the initial cohort of counties implementing the CARE Act, found that one-third of individuals with a CARE agreement or plan had an identified volunteer supporter. Further, 8% of the 490 individuals petitioned to CARE during this time period had an identified volunteer supporter, most of which were family members. These early findings suggest that there is room for expanding efforts to promote available tools, including identification of volunteer supporters, to support person-centered care for CARE participants.

In a recent panel session regarding how counties are building a culture of support, counties shared efforts regarding the volunteer supporter role.

How Counties Can Lift Up the Role

• Encourage CARE participants to choose someone they trust, and revisit the role regularly to address challenges or changes.
• Share the Volunteer Supporter Toolkit and resources early, so supporters understand their responsibilities and boundaries, including avoiding conflicts of interest.
• With permission from the CARE participant, counties can integrate volunteer supporters into the development of CARE agreements and CARE plans.
• Offer education and support to volunteer supporters, using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.

Lessons Learned

• Start conversations about the volunteer supporter role early, encouraging CARE participants to identify individuals they would like to be involved.
• Support and educate volunteer supporters to ensure they understand their role.
• Leverage existing partnerships to identify potential supporters.
• Maintain a trauma-informed approach to make the process less intimidating.

Resources

Counties are encouraged to share these resources and continue building a culture of support that centers the respondent’s voice and autonomy.

• Volunteer Supporter Toolkit (available in 23 languages)
• Training and brief on the Volunteer Supporter Role
• CARE in Practice: Building a Culture of Support training
• FAQs related to the Volunteer Supporter role