Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Introduction
The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards legislation is due to be implemented in April 2009. This builds on the existing legislation created by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the 2008 Amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983.
This key legislation assists in the protection of some of the most vulnerable people in our society who, at some point, require their liberty to be deprived.
The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) provide protection for people who are in hospitals or care homes and are deprived of their liberty for the purpose of providing treatment or care, but lack capacity to consent to these arrangements; these could include people with dementia, trauma, mental ill health or those with severe learning disability.
Meetings and Coordination
A Regional Implementation Group oversees the implementation of the whole legislation programme and is supported through DoLS workshops. These are held on a bi monthly basis aimed at supporting DoLS leads and sharing issues and solutions. Meeting dates for the DoLS are set from 9.30 to 12.30 on:
October 16th 2008
December 11th 2008
February 12th 2009
Useful Documents
The following locally developed policies and processes have been developed through the DoLS workshop meetings:
MRSA Screening and Treatment Policy (Wolverhampton Primary Care Trust)
Best Interest Assessor Job Profile (Coventry and Warwick Partnership Trust)
DoLS Supervisory Body Briefing Document
DoLS Managing Authority Briefing Document
Training and Awareness
CSIP has been tasked with the role of awareness raising, training and supporting the various agencies responsible for implementing the new legislation. Awareness raising is in the process of being delivered to care homes across the West Midlands region.
Useful Web links to Reports/Articles
Article in Community Care - Office of Public Guardian
Community Care Article - MCA and Advocacy Access
Contact Information
The CSIP lead in the West Midlands responsible for this is Ralph Hall (telephone 07525 203107) with administrative support being provided by Felicity Love.