A new law threatens California’s fiscal stability, expanding a costly program with little to show for its $328 million price tag.
Story Highlights
- California’s CARE Court program, initiated by Governor Gavin Newsom, faces criticism for high costs and low success rates.
- Despite its failures, the program will be expanded in January 2026 to cover more mental health disorders.
- Critics argue the program is coercive and ineffective, failing to meet initial expectations.
- The expansion raises concerns about racial disparities, high expenses, and inadequate services.
California’s CARE Court Program Faces Scrutiny
California’s CARE Court program, launched by Governor Gavin Newsom, has come under fire for its colossal $328 million cost and disappointing outcomes. Designed to assist mentally ill homeless individuals by connecting them with treatment, the program has been criticized for failing to meet its initial goals. The criticism centers around the program’s high expenses and low success rates, which have sparked debate over its efficacy and fiscal responsibility.
The program’s shortcomings are not just financial. Many critics point out that the number of participants is significantly lower than initially promised. This shortfall raises questions about the program’s ability to effectively address the complex issues it aims to solve. Despite these concerns, the state government is pushing forward with an expansion of the program, raising further questions about the allocation of taxpayer dollars.
Expansion Raises New Concerns
In January 2026, the CARE Court program will expand under Senate Bill 27, signed by Governor Newsom. This expansion broadens eligibility criteria to include individuals with mood disorders featuring psychotic episodes. While proponents claim this move will enhance implementation and increase accountability, critics are skeptical. They argue that the program’s existing issues, including racial disparities and inadequate services, will only be exacerbated by this expansion.
Furthermore, the program’s expansion raises constitutional concerns. Critics argue that it could potentially infringe on individual liberties by mandating court-ordered treatment, which some see as coercive despite claims of voluntariness. This aspect of the program has sparked outrage among advocates of individual rights, who view it as a form of government overreach.
Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability
The expansion of the CARE Court program underscores a broader issue of fiscal responsibility within California’s government. With its high costs and questionable effectiveness, the program exemplifies concerns about mismanaged taxpayer funds. As California continues to grapple with its homelessness crisis, the need for effective and efficient solutions becomes increasingly urgent.
The expansion of the CARE Court program, despite its previous shortcomings, highlights a concerning trend of government overreach and fiscal irresponsibility. As the program rolls out its new phase, the need for accountability and transparency becomes paramount. Without addressing the core issues plaguing the program, its expansion risks repeating past mistakes and further straining California’s resources.
