The four questions
- Is a deprivation of liberty actually occurring, or likely to occur?
- Is it in the person’s best interests?
- Is it necessary to prevent harm to the person?
- Is it a proportionate response to the likelihood and seriousness of that harm?
How the assessor works
The assessor meets the person face to face, reviews care records, speaks with staff, and consults family, friends and any appointed representative. They must consider less restrictive alternatives and can recommend conditions to make the care arrangement better for the person. Their conclusions go to the Local Authority in a formal report.
Guides are available in multiple formats, including easy-read and large print.