Title
a. Designate and authorize the Public Defender, Chief Assistant Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Designee to retroactively execute a Funds Agreement with The State Bar of California for a three-year period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028, for the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program for the purpose of providing legal representation in CARE Act proceedings, matters related to CARE agreements, and matters related to CARE plans; and
b. Authorize the Public Defender’s Office to receive $168,156 from the State Bar of California for the initial CARE Court funding period of July 1, 2025-January 1, 2027.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Designate and authorize the Public Defender, Chief Assistant Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Designee to retroactively execute a Funds Agreement with The State Bar of California for a three-year period of July 1, 2025-June 30, 2028, for the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program for the purpose of providing legal representation in CARE Act proceedings, matters related to CARE agreements, and matters related to CARE plans; and
b. Authorize the Public Defender’s Office to receive $168,156 from the State Bar of California for the initial CARE Court funding period of July 1, 2025-January 1, 2027.
SUMMARY:
In 2025, Assembly Bill No. 102 (A.B. 102) allocated $15,750,000 for the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program (Welfare and Institutions Code sections 5970-5987). This funding was to be distributed by the Judicial Council of California, through The State Bar of California, via grant awards to qualified legal services projects, with any unawarded funds distributed to public defenders to provide legal counsel and representation in CARE Act proceedings, matters related to CARE agreements, and matters related to CARE plans. The State Bar of California has issued to t...
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