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Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) is a legal framework created as an amendment to the Mental Capacity Act. This framework is designed to protect adults who lack capacity to make decisions about their care, treatment and where they live, and who are deprived of their liberty as a result of the care and treatment arrangements that are in place to keep them safe.

When someone lacks mental capacity to consent to care or treatment, it is sometimes necessary to deprive them of their liberty in their best interests, to protect them from harm.

The legislation sets out a procedure for care homes and hospitals to obtain authorisation to deprive someone of their liberty.

Read more about DoLS in this brief guide from Herefordshire Safeguarding Adults Board (HSAB) or visit their website for further information including access to forms and further guidance.

You can also contact Herefordshire Council's deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) team at:

The government's GOV.UK website also has useful information on DoLS forms and guidance.

More information is also available on the Alzheimer Society's website and there is also a useful factsheet available on Age UK's website which includes details of the DoLS Code of Practice.

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