C.A.R.E.S Navigation Center

The C.A.R.E.S. Navigation Center is a critical component of reducing criminal recidivism in Alameda County by addressing the needs of justice involved residents in crisis, including those suffering from mental illness and/or substance abuse. The services offered at the C.A.R.E.S. Navigation Center meet the 10X goal of Healthcare for All, Thriving and Resilient Population and Safe and Livable Communities in Alameda County.

Infographic for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office C.A.R.E.S. Navigation Center, led by DA Pamela Price. The program’s tagline is 'Deflect, Defer, Divert.' C.A.R.E.S. stands for 'Community Assessment, Referral, and Engagement Services' and diverts individuals from jail and the criminal justice system into supportive services. The services offered include respite, peer counseling, housing, employment, mental health referrals, and substance use treatment referrals. The infographic details that law enforcement, probation officers, the D.A.'s office, or community partners can officially make referrals. It also emphasizes that the program partners with organizations like La Familia to build a stronger, healthier community. Contact information is provided, with logos from the D.A.’s Office and partner organizations displayed.

The C.A.R.E.S. Navigation Center is the only county sponsored pre-charging diversion program physically located in Alameda County and available to all law enforcement agencies as an alternative to an arrest.

Programs like this are vital in addressing the underlying causes of crime and providing individuals with an opportunity to alter their behaviors while remaining contributing members of society.

In 2023, the DOA developed a partnership with The Uncuffed Project Inc. to provide community based and mobile diversion services for the C.A.R.E.S. Navigation Center

Uncuffed project logo

Some of the services provided include:

  • Respite
  • Peer counseling,
  • Housing services,
  • Employment services,
  • Mental health referrals
  • Substance use treatment referrals.

Anyone can advocate for an individual to be referred to C.A.R.E.S. but police, probation or the D.A.’s Office primarily make the referrals.

Keep in mind:

  • You can notify the officer on scene that you would like the individual transported to C.A.R.E.S.
  • Not everyone is eligible for C.A.R.E.S.
  • Officers can evaluate eligibility in the field and will provide transportation.

Learn more about the C.A.R.E.S. Navigation Center by contacting the Alameda District Attorney’s Office.

Attn: Mental Health Unit
1225 Fallon St.
Oakland, Ca 94612
(510) 272-6222
Da.MentalHealthUnit@acgov.org