Deprivation of Liberty: general guidance

For more information please refer to:

• The Deprivation of Liberty code of practice
• What are the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards? - This Department of Health leaflet provides a brief general introduction to the MCA DOLS and has been specifically designed for care homes and hospitals to help staff understand what the MCA DOLS will mean for them and for their service users (December 2008)
• Information for Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts
• Information for Relevant Persons Representative
• Making decisions - The Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards - A guide for family, friends and unpaid carers
• The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards(DoLs) standard authorisation – your rights

Deprivation of Liberty Process

This flowchart demonstrates the application and authorisation process for the DOLS in general.

Tower Hamlets multi-agency policy and procedure:

• A multi-agency policy and procedure for staff working in Tower Hamlets is now available

The following documents are to be used by managing authorities when considering whether a Deprivation of Liberty is occurring or will occur within 28 days.

• Deprivation of Liberty screening Tool