Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

This online DoLS Training explains what needs to be done before a deprivation of liberty can be authorised. It has been designed to be used by anyone who cares for someone who may lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understand the importance of keeping records in relation to DoLS
• Understand what deprivation of liberty means and who it affects
• Understand both types of authorisation procedures

SECTION 1

In this section, we look at what deprivation of liberty means and who could be affected by it. We look at restrictions and restraint and the importance of recognising that if you’re applying a number of restrictions and restraints together or for long periods this could add up to depriving them of their liberty.

SECTION 2

This section covers the standard authorisation procedure AND the urgent authorisation procedure. It looks at the six assessments that must be done and who is responsible for doing what. It also covers the formal process of review and how to suspend a standard authorisation.

SECTION 3

The deprivation of liberty safeguards exist to protect a person’s human right to be free. The safeguards ensure that the person has some form of backup. In this section, we look at these safeguards and we look at when they can’t be used and we look at what you should do if you think someone is being deprived of their liberty, but it’s not been authorised.

SECTION 4

The Mental Capacity Act has procedures for authorising a deprivation of liberty in hospitals and care homes and there are a number of forms that can help make sure correct procedures are followed. In this section, we look at the forms, the procedure, and the importance of record keeping.