A California program to help people with severe mental illness has reportedly just helped 22 people since it started in 2022, despite costing $236 million to operate. However, Newsom’s office refuted the report, taking to social media to claim that hundreds of people have been helped. The big picture: The Daily Mail reported that California has spent $236 million on CARE Court since March 2022 only to help 22 people with court-ordered treatment. By the numbers: With 22 people served through the program – per the Daily Mail’s report – California spent $10.7 million per person. If the 684 number is taken into account – as Newsom’s office feels – the per-person spending comes to $345,000.