Deprivation of liberty assessments 
(CoP DoLS)

 

Legally sound, person-centred Court of Protection assessments and DoLS support carried out by qualified Best Interests Assessors.

We provide expert mental capacity and deprivation of liberty assessments, ensuring each individual's circumstances, wishes, feelings, and best interests are carefully considered. Our experienced team provides clear, professional support to individuals, families, legal professionals, and other parties involved in complex care and capacity matters.

 

 

 

What is included

​ Mental Capacity Assessment

Determines whether a person has the capacity to make a specific decision at a particular time, in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Clear, evidence-based reports suitable for Court of Protection and clinical use.

Best Interests Assessment

Determines the most appropriate course of action for an individual who lacks capacity, taking into account their wishes, values, beliefs, and the views of those involved in their care.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Assessment

Assesses whether restrictions placed on an individual's liberty are necessary, proportionate, and legally authorised to protect their wellbeing — delivered by experienced, qualified Best Interests Assessors.

 

 

Who We Work With

 

 

We offer our CoP DoLS services to:

  • Personal Injury Solicitors
  • Clinical Negligence Legal Teams
  • Insurance Companies
  • NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) Commissioners
  • Court of Protection
  • Individuals and families 

We offer Court of Protection assessments in St Albans - also serving London, the South East, nationwide & internationally.

 

Our Court of Protection and Complex Care Services

We are currently providing our complex care case management and expert witness services to leading personal injury law firms, specialist claimant litigation firms, medical legal services providers, major insurance companies, prominent international law firms, and NHS Integrated Care Boards.

We have received considerable positive feedback, and our clients are making progress.

We also provide the following services:

  • DoLS assessments
  • Best interest assessments
  • Mental capacity assessments
  • INAs and INRs in a timely and professional manner

Based in St Albans in Hertfordshire, our team of case managers are healthcare professionals, psychologists, social workers, and therapists. Our skill mix is our strength because we take a collaborative approach to each client to ensure that we can provide a specific and individualised care plan and rehabilitation recommendation to best suit the client and their choice of lifestyle.

We specialise mainly in spinal injuries, brain injuries, complex and serious injuries, and mental health, and are a rehabilitation-orientated team.

 

 

 Example Cases

Case 1

Spinal cord injury - Settlement

 

 

Client sustained a C4 complete spinal cord injury following a Road Traffic Collision. At the time of referral, the case was settled and the client was living in the community. The ICB had withdrawn CHC funding due to behavioural challenges, resulting in significant deterioration in mental health. The client also had two large dogs, which created barriers to carer recruitment and retention. NJCM introduced targeted training for the carer team to manage this safely and effectively, supporting consistent care delivery and the client's independent living.

Within the first month, we successfully negotiated reinstatement of CHC funding with the ICB and assumed the role of main PHB holder. The client is now settled and content. His family report that he has engaged more with friends and family in the past three months than he had in the previous two years combined.

 

Case 2

Polytrauma rehabilitation

 

 

Client referred by solicitors following an RTC, initially assessed in hospital with a diagnosis of polytrauma. Through proactive collaboration with the legal team, the client accessed private inpatient rehabilitation. Specialist assessments confirmed cauda equina syndrome and frontal lobe injury, accounting for his cognitive decline. At referral, his home was inaccessible and he was confined to a single room.

Within four months, interim funding was secured for private rental while home adaptations were completed. Regular physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychology support are now established for both the client and his family. In month sixteen, vocational rehabilitation is underway supporting a return to work in an alternative role — PIP approved and an adapted vehicle is in place.

 

 

Case 3

Complex Care & Rehabilitation 

 

 

Client with a highly complex profile involving concurrent Court of Protection proceedings and ongoing criminal litigation. NJCM has provided continuous case management, navigating collaboration between the client and a broad network of health, social care, and legal stakeholders throughout.

Four years ago, the client was unable to walk and was fed via PEG. Today, the client is eating and drinking independently and has begun walking — a significant outcome achieved through sustained, person-centred case management. We continue to provide ongoing support and consistently receive excellent feedback from all parties involved.

 

We are registered VAT company, but we are exempt from VAT.

There is no VAT charge added to the initial cost.