A Best Interests Assessment is the most detailed of 6 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Assessments that have to be completed before any adult can lawfully be deprived of their liberty.
The Best Interests Assessment is completed by a Best Interests Assessor (BIA).
The BIA must be able to evidence that they have:
The Best Interest Assessment Report itself must:
- State the maximum authorisation period of the authorisation-not longer than 12 months. Whilst considering the length of the authorisation Best Interests Assessors should take into account the time required for specific care planning tasks which may be relevant for a change of placement, discharge from hospital or to reduce the change of a DoLS occurring / and or as a result of the DoLS assessment and conditions attached to the Standard Authorisation. Additionally Best Interests Assessor should consider whether repeated short authorisations and subsequent repeated assessment processes are in the persons best interests;
- Name all of the people who have been consulted;
- Clearly state the BIA’s view, either supporting or declining the deprivation with reasons;
- Recommend conditions. These must directly relate to the issue of deprivation of liberty and best Interests, and may for example: relate to contact, culture and avoiding deprivation in the future;
- Recommend someone to be the Relevant Person's Representative.