Skip to content

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) professional support

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) exists to safeguard individuals when a deprivation of liberty is an unavoidable part of a best interests care plan. Those who are identified as potentially deprived of their liberty must be considered on a case-by-case basis and all appropriate steps taken to remove the risk of a deprivation of liberty where possible.

DOLS provide legal protection for those vulnerable people who are, or may become, deprived of their liberty within the meaning of Article 5 of the European Convention on the Human Rights (ECHR) in a hospital or care home, whether placed under public or private arrangements. The safeguards exist to provide a legal framework and protection in circumstances where deprivation of liberty appears to be unavoidable in a person’s best interests.

Following the Supreme Court Judgement 2014, there was a significant change in what may constitute a DoLS authorisation. Professionals must remember that DOLS authorisations and Court of Protection orders are rooted in the principles of Mental Capacity Act.

For further information of the Supreme Court Judgement see our guidance notes below.

Feedback

We would like to know what you thought of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) assessment process. Was the assessment process clear and satisfactory?

Complete our feedback form to help us maintain our service and make any improvements.

Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS)

Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) were due to replace the current DoLS system from October 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the government has not announced a revised date yet.

Read the Liberty Protection Safeguards factsheets (PDF, 313.6 KB)

The LPS Code of Practice and regulation is yet to be published. In the meantime, we are planning how best to support these changes and will update this page when we know more.

How to complete the authorisation

Before you complete the online authorisation you must inform the person's family that you have made an application for DOLS authorisation.

To protect personal data, you should not complete these forms on a public computer.

The form will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity. After this time you will lose what you have entered and will need to start again.

You will be asked to upload your signature to the form, either:

  • take a photo on your mobile phone
  • scan a copy of your signature and upload it.

When you've submitted your form, make sure you download or print a copy. We will not send you one and will not be able to download or print it later. We will send you a confirmation email to confirm we've received your request.

Make sure you close the browser completely when you've downloaded or printed your form to keep the data secure.

DOLS form 1 - Standard and urgent request

If you are applying for an urgent authorisation and standard authorisation, complete DOLS form 1.

Apply for a standard and urgent request

DOLS form 2 - Further authorisation request

If the person is already subject to a current DOLS Authorisation, which is due to expire, you must complete DOLS form 2.

Apply for a further authorisation request

DOLS form 10 - review request

Apply for a review request (DOCX, 152.2 KB).

The area of Best Interests and Deprivation of Liberty is extremely complex and constantly evolving.

The Supreme Court provided a very important judgment on 19 March 2014 in relation to deprivation of liberty which is of major importance to residential care providers, social services and health departments. In ‘P v Cheshire West and Chester Council; P and Q v Surrey County Council [2014] UKSC 19’ the Supreme Court established an acid test, if ‘P’ is under constant supervision at all times and is not free to leave then they are derived of their liberty.

Law guidance notes

National guidance

Easy read guidance

Updated service briefings, practice guidance and notes Kent County Council have produced.

Kent County Council and Medway Council have separate DOLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) services for receiving and processing DOLS applications.

For DOLS advice and support (or to send in a DOLS assessment or authorisation form) for people who are ordinarily resident in Kent, contact:

Phone: 03000 41 57 77
Email: dols@kent.gov.uk

Kent Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Service
Kent County Council
4th Floor Invicta House
County Road
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1XX

We are open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

For people who are ordinarily resident in Medway, contact:

Medway DOLS Service
Phone: 01634 331188
Fax: 01634 331866
Email: dols@medway.gov.uk