Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) Assessments

Call off from a joint framework between Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) provide a legal framework for the deprivation of liberty for people who lack mental capacity to make decisions about their care arrangements themselves. They apply to people who are in hospital or residential/nursing care and who are subject to restrictions and restraints in their lives, for example, not being free to leave or requiring continual supervision. Local Authorities are required to arrange an assessment of their circumstances to determine whether the care provided is in their best interests to protect them from harm, whether it is proportionate and to determine if there is a less restrictive alternative.

The Provider may be asked to complete all six elements of the Best Interests Assessment or specific elements depending on the requirements. The six elements in scope are:

• Age Assessment

• No refusals Assessment

• Mental capacity Assessment

• Mental health Assessment

• Eligibility Assessment

• Best Interests Assessment