Liberty Assessments
Best Interest Assessments

For families & representatives

Guidance for Families

If someone you love is being assessed under DoLS, the process can feel official and opaque. It shouldn’t. Your knowledge of the person is evidence the assessor genuinely needs — and your involvement is a legal right, not a courtesy.

Your role in the assessment

  • Tell the assessor what your relative would have wanted — their values, routines, likes and dislikes
  • Share any concerns about the placement or restrictions honestly
  • Ask questions — assessors expect them and should answer plainly
  • Say if you disagree that the arrangements are right; objections must be recorded and considered

Support available to you

If your relative has no one able to represent them, an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) must be appointed. After authorisation, a Relevant Person’s Representative keeps in contact and can request reviews. Our family information pack explains all of this in plain English — request it by phone or email, in the format that suits you.

Guides are available in multiple formats, including easy-read and large print.

Ready when you are

Speak to a real person, or take the next step online — whichever suits you.