In this introductory video, a peer with lived experience of schizophrenia provides an overview of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empower (CARE) Act. The CARE Act is designed to help individuals access mental health treatment, housing, and other vital support services through a civil court process. Unlike criminal proceedings, the CARE Act focuses on providing help, not punishment, ensuring that individuals get the support they need to recover.
Tristan shares his personal journey, emphasizing how recovery is possible with the right support. He explains how the CARE Act connects individuals to a team of professionals–including doctors, social workers, and housing specialists–who work together to create a personalized treatment plan. A free lawyer is provided to protect an individual’s rights and ensure their voice is heard throughout the process.
The video highlights the voluntary, flexible nature of the CARE Act, ensuring participants have a say in their care. Even if setbacks occur, the focus is on providing a structured, supportive environment for progress.
The CARE Act offers a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with essential services and begin their journey to recovery, with the reassurance that they are never alone in the process.
For an overview of CARE, see The CARE Act at a Glance brief. For more information about the CARE process, see The CARE Process Flow to Treatment, Housing, and Support brief.
The Volunteer Supporter Toolkit provides resources for volunteer supporters that can help both the supporter and respondent navigate the CARE process. The Toolkit includes trainings, briefs, and other resources to help supporters in their roles.
The Family Resource Guide can help you learn more about supporting your family member during the CARE process.
Presenter:
Tristan Scremin, Peer Support Specialist, Painted Brain