CA AB2679

Extends alternative conservatorship procedures to County of Butte until January 1, 2024, allowing appointment of conservators for individuals incapable of caring for themselves due to serious mental illness and substance use disorders, in addition to existing counties (Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco).

Requires county board of supervisors authorization through resolution and a finding that voluntary mental health programs and conservatorship services will not be reduced as a result of implementation.

Mandates availability of specific services before conservatorship can be established, including supportive housing with wraparound services, mental health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, psychiatric services, and vocational rehabilitation.

Establishes conservatorship procedures requiring clear and convincing evidence from comprehensive clinical evaluations, court or jury trial rights for conservatees, and petitions filed within 28 days of an eighth detention for evaluation and treatment within a 12-month period.

Requires each county to establish a working group to evaluate conservatorship program effectiveness, with preliminary reports due January 1, 2021 and final reports due January 1, 2023.