The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) are an amendment to the Mental Capacity Act 2005. They apply in England and Wales only.
The safeguards provide a legal framework for local authorities, in certain circumstances, to authorise a person to be deprived of their liberty. Where the legal criteria are met, we will work to make sure that the appropriate safeguards are put in place to protect the person’s rights.
Apply for DoLS authorisation
Care homes and hospitals can use the following forms available on GOV.UK to apply for DoLS authorisation:
- standard and urgent authorisation request form - word document
- further authorisation request form - word document
Please submit completed forms to:
For help in completing these forms, please see the DoLS guidance.
More information
The following information provides more detail about the procedures, code of practice and provides a glossary of terms used: