Rachel Litchman writes that the program makes it easier for unsheltered people to be involuntarily committed to institutions. But what they need is housing.
Unsheltered people can be forced into institutions more easily thanks to the program, but Rachel Litchman contends that they really require housing. Unsheltered people can be forced into institutions more easily thanks to the program, but what they really need is housing, according to Rachel Litchman.
Rachel Litchman writes that the program makes it easier for unsheltered people to be involuntarily committed to institutions. But what they need is housing.
In January, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to hear the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson is a legal case that has the potential to either strengthen the rights of individuals who are homeless or further entrench their criminalization. The outcome of the case may determine whether individuals who are forced to live and sleep on the streets are breaking the law. This situation could exacerbate the problem of homelessness, as individuals with criminal records are often unable to secure housing and job opportunities. The Justices supporting Grants Pass could potentially worsen homelessness, as a series of new state laws have already started to limit the rights of people without homes. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the CARE Court program into law in California in 2022 and it was implemented in late 2023, simplifying the process of involuntarily committing homeless individuals to mental health facilities or psychiatric institutions. While every state has laws governing involuntary commitment, the CARE Court significantly broadens the circumstances under which a person can be compelled to undergo treatment. This is achieved by providing the ability for family members, social services, mental health providers, law enforcement, and emergency responders to start court-ordered mental health treatment.
