😂Newsom’s $236M Program Helped 22 People

Adriana Stone 0 1 min read

Newsom’s $236M Program Helped 22 People

California launched a big plan to get people with severe mental illness off the streets and into treatment.

The program was touted as a new approach. It had $236 million behind it. It started in 2022 and was meant to reach thousands.

But recent reporting says only 22 people were sent to court-ordered treatment in four years.

That number comes from media analysis and state filings compiled by critics. The program — often called CARE Court — was expected to help up to 12,000 people. State analysts estimated as many as 50,000 might be eligible.

About 3,000 petitions were filed across California by last fall. Roughly 706 of those were approved. Many of the approvals were voluntary agreements, not forced treatment orders, and critics argue those don’t meet the original promise.

Officials dispute the headline numbers. The governor’s office pushed back, saying the program is more than a single metric and that cases are ongoing. They say early data don’t capture all the work happening on the ground.

Still, the gap between promise and reported outcome is large. Critics point to wasted money. They point to a system that funnels cash to contractors and leaves outcomes lagging.

There’s also public outrage online. People shared sharp takes and asked where the money went. Some users accused state leaders of prioritizing politics over results. Others called for audits and tighter oversight.

Where this goes next is still unclear. Lawmakers and watchdogs can demand audits. County courts can change how petitions are handled. And advocates can press for faster, measurable help for people in crisis.

Either way, the headlines have put pressure on Sacramento. Voters and local officials now want clear answers about who benefited, how the money was spent, and what real outcomes look like.

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