Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has introduced new accountability tools on mentalhealth.ca.gov to monitor the implementation of Proposition 1 and other critical behavioral health initiatives. These measures aim to enhance access to care and housing, particularly for those with severe illnesses.

The updated website includes thermometers that will be regularly updated to display the number of new treatment slots available for outpatient visits, residential beds for inpatient treatment, permanent supportive housing units, and housing units for veterans. Additionally, new maps show which counties have initiated the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court program, designed to aid Californians with psychosis and schizophrenia. Separate maps track counties implementing reformed conservatorship laws.

“When California voters passed Proposition 1 in March, we promised you transformational change. Today, we’re continuing to show our work — for you, the people of California. Counties have the tools to create change, and now Californians will have the tools to track their county’s progress. It’s up to all of us to make sure these life-saving transformations are happening urgently on the local level,” said Governor Newsom.

The website also provides a guide for Californians and local leaders detailing who to contact and what questions to ask regarding progress in their county.

California is undergoing significant changes in its behavioral health delivery system aimed at improving access, accountability, transparency, and capacity. Proposition 1 encompasses a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for treatment settings and housing with services alongside historic reforms of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). These reforms focus on aiding individuals with serious illnesses and substance disorders while supporting their housing needs.

Last month saw Governor Newsom announce up to $3.3 billion in competitive grant funding from Proposition 1 aimed at expanding treatment facilities and beds for those experiencing mental health conditions or substance use disorders. This funding targets individuals who are most seriously ill or homeless. The first round of applications is due by December 13, 2024. A second round will provide an additional $1.1 billion in support by 2025.

Looking ahead, up to $2 billion from Proposition 1 funds will be allocated towards building permanent housing with onsite services for veterans and others who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to mental health or substance use disorder challenges. Guidance for potential grantees is expected from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by late 2024.

These rounds of bond funding aim to invest $6.4 billion approved by voters into local communities by 2026, thereby enhancing California's behavioral health care system.

Reforming the Mental Health Services Act into the Behavioral Health Services Act represents another aspect of Proposition 1. Early in 2025, DHCS will issue guidance about creating unified county plans for using all local behavioral health dollars effectively starting July 1, 2026.