What is Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)?

What is Liberty?

Liberty means having the freedom to make your own choices about where and how you live.

Your right to liberty is protected by law under Article 5 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

What is a Deprivation of Liberty?

Sometimes, to keep someone safe, their freedom may be limited. This is called Deprivation of Liberty.

What is Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)?

These are legal protections for people whose freedom is restricted, They make sure that any restrictions are:

• Necessary to keep you safe
• Proportionate (not more than needed)
• In your best interests