Sometimes a person may lack the capacity to consent to treatment or care (in either a hospital or care home) and may need (in their own best interests) to be deprived of their liberty. Find out more about the Mental Capacity Act.

The “Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) Safeguards” provide a framework to ensure that "Deprivation of Liberty" happens only under very specific conditions and only when it is in someone’s best interests.

The DoL Safeguards have been introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 by the Mental Health Act 2007 and came into force in April 2009.

Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council, NHS Leicestershire and Rutland and NHS Leicester City are working together to provide a shared Deprivation of Liberty Team to act as a contact and referral point for the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

Page Last Updated: 13 May 2013