Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

People who lack mental capacity to make decisions in hospitals and care homes are now protected by the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DoLS) provide protection for vulnerable people who are accommodated in hospitals or care homes in circumstances that amount to a deprivation of liberty and who lack the capacity to consent to the care or treatment they need.

The DoLS Service

The DoLS Service is a dedicated team of staff that coordinate and commission the DoLS assessment and review process on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Gloucestershire.  Meet the staff in the DoLS team [31kb] [Opens in New Window]

For advice and guidance on any aspect of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, please contact the DoLS Service by telephoning 01452 426005 between 9.30 – 16.00, Monday – Friday or send an email to dolsservice@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

	Training for the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and Revisions to MHA Further information on courses available
	Overview of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) An outline of the new Safeguards, who is protected and how the process works.
	Making a DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) Application The procedure under DoLS to apply for an Authorisation to deprive an individual of their liberty.
	Families, friends and unpaid carers Information about Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) for families, friends and unpaid carers
	Gloucestershire Local Implementation Network (LIN) The Gloucestershire LIN is a local multi-agency Steering Group set up to work jointly to ensure implementation of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. Since 2008 the LIN has also been responsible for implementation of the Mental Health Act (MHA) 2007 & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).