#216: As a society we’ve been talking about it a LOT in recent years. Some call it a crisis. And public officials have been taking up more initiatives to try to address this on a societal level. 

In early December, a state-wide program launched in Los Angeles County aimed at helping those with severe and untreated mental illness: CARE Court. Last October it also opened in Orange County. 

It allows family members, healthcare workers or first responders to petition a judge to step in with a proposed treatment plan for people who have struggled to get the help they need.

CARE Court has been championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and has its share of supporters. But it also has critics. 

Guest: Robert Garrova, mental health reporter for LAist