Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) provide protection for vulnerable people who are accommodated in hospitals or care homes in circumstances that amount to a deprivation of their liberty and who lack the capacity to consent to the care or treatment they need.

The MCA (DoLS) provide that deprivation of liberty:

• Should be avoided whenever possible.
• Should only be authorised in cases where it is in the person’s best interests and the only way to keep them safe.
• Should be for as short a time as possible.
• Should only be for a particular plan or course of action.

Care Homes, Care Homes with Nursing, Independent Hospitals and Acute Hospitals are Managing Authorities. Managing Authorities must make a referral to Rochdale Council Supervisory Body in order to lawfully deprive someone of their liberty.

• Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Code of Practice
• DoLS - What Managing Authorities need to know
• DoLS - Deciding if an authorisation is needed
• DoLS - The Application Process

For advice on DoLs please email: dols@rochdale.gov.uk