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Implementing Investments and Initiatives

The state continues to look to counties to partner or lead on solutions to persistent and complex state challenges. In addition to ongoing efforts associated with prior year reforms and initiatives, the recently enacted Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act contemplates a major role and implementation responsibilities for counties. UCC will work to ensure that urban counties have appropriate flexibility and sufficient resources to carry out the following efforts, each of which will impose urban county workload in 2023.

Investing in the Next Generation

UCC will engage in the following advocacy actions:

  • CARE Act—The recently enacted CARE Act (SB 1338, 2022) offers a new civil court framework for individuals with severe mental health issues, as defined, to receive individualized care plans. The legislation identified seven counties, four of which (Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco) are urban counties, in an initial cohort (“Cohort 1 Counties”) that will implement the CARE Act beginning October 1, 2023. During this period of planning to support the Cohort 1 counties’ CARE Act implementation.
  • Homelessness Solutions—The 2022-23 Budget continues limited-term investments in statewide homelessness responses. Specifically, the budget includes $1 billion in 2022-23 and $1 billion in 2023-24 for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, $1.3 billion in 2022-23 for Project Homekey, $1.5 billion total over the next two years for a new Behavioral Health Bridge Housing program, and $700 million total over the next two years for the Encampment Resolution Grant program.
  • Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Realignment—With the passage of SB 823 (2020) and SB 92 (2021), counties are now responsible for the care, treatment, and – where required – custody of all youth in the juvenile justice system. As of June 30, 2023, all remaining DJJ facilities will close and those youth who are unable to discharge or otherwise transition from DJJ prior to the closure date must be accommodated. To create positive youth outcomes, UCC will partner with the new Office of Youth and Community Restoration, support cross-county collaboration, and advocate for state legislation and resources to promote successful program delivery.