Mental Capacity Act and deprivation of liberty

Do you know how the law could affect you?

Do you have an illness, injury or disability that may cause you difficulties in making decisions? For example a learning disabilty, dementia, a mental health problem or a head injury or a stroke.  Or do you care for, work with, or know someone who has difficulties in making decisions? Do you want to plan ahead in case you are unable to make important decisions for yourself in the future? There is a new law that can help, the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

A brief leaflet about the Act: "Making decisions about your health, welfare and finances...who decides when you can't?" is available together with further information for health and social care professionals, carers and those who want to plan ahead.

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards came into effect on 1 April 2009.  

Further information booklets for care workers, advice workers, family and friends are available from the Department of Constitutional Affairs website at www.dca.gov.uk/legal-policy/mental-capacity

Referrals for Authorisation of Deprivation of Liberty

All enquiries and referrals of people who are the responsibility of Wandsworth Council or NHS Wandsworth  in care homes or hospitals should be made to the Wandsworth DOLS office on:

Telephone: 020 8871 8701
Fax: 020 8871 7755
Email: dols@wandsworth.gov.uk

If you wish to make a formal request for a Deprivation of Liberty Authorisation please complete and send the appropriate forms to: