A Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Conservatorship exists to help people with mental illnesses listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Although the process varies widely, a local government agency typically begins the process. It often takes place over the objection of the conservatee, and sadly, takes place only after parents or siblings have repeatedly begged the county to step in to protect a mentally ill and often homeless family member. Sometimes this conservatorship allows the county to involuntarily institutionalize a conservatee.