Superior Court of CA – County of San Joaquin

To be eligible, a person must meet the following criteria:

• Is 18 years of age or older.
• Is currently experiencing a severe mental illness, specifically schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 5600.3 of the Healthy and Safety Code.
• Is not clinically stabilized in on-going voluntary treatment.
• At least one of the following is true:
  (1) The person is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision and the person’s condition is substantially deteriorating OR
  (2) The person is in need of services and supports in order to prevent a relapse or deterioration that would be likely to result in grave disability or serious harm to the person or others, as defined in Section 5150 of the Healthy and Safety Code.
• Participation in a CARE plan or CARE agreement would be the least restrictive alternative necessary to ensure the person’s recovery and stability.
• It is likely that the person will benefit from participation in a CARE plan or CARE agreement.
• If you believe you or someone meets the criteria, stated above, The Court is accepting petitions at the main courthouse located at 180 E Weber Ave in Stockton on the fourth floor.
• For assistance with eligibility, completing the required forms, or if you have additional questions, contact San Joaquin County Behavioral Health (209) 468-8777 Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (add link to their page- will be provided later) or self-help (add link to self-help page – will be provided later).

Certain conditions and disorders are excluded, including:

• Serious mental illnesses outside of psychotic disorder class, including bipolar disorder, major depression, and post-trauma stress disorder.
• Psychotic disorders due to medical conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, autism, dementia, or other physical health or neurological conditions.
• Substance use disorder that does not otherwise meet the definition of a psychotic disorder.
• Contact San Joaquin County Behavioral Health (209) 468-8777 Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (add their link – to be provided later) if you are not sure if you qualify or for information on additional services they provide.