Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and their impact upon social care practices

This presentation is based upon the findings of a mixed methods empirical study of the Deprivation of Liberty safeguards (DOLS) 2007. The safeguards aim to protect article 5 rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Their remit is people in care homes or hospitals who lack capacity and are cared for in a way that deprives them of their liberty. DOLS are controversial and a particular challenge is determining what constitutes deprivation of liberty. The study has two sources of data: i) in-depth qualitative interviews with those involved a number of DOLS authorisations (the individual subject to a DOLS where possible, professionals and family members) in 4 study sites in England and ii) an on-line survey of professionals undertaking DOLS assessments in England. From i) the paper will present findings in relation to professionals’ justification for invoking DOLS. It will also consider DOLS’ impact on human rights and care practices. From ii) it will consider the factors that professionals considered to be indicative of deprivation of liberty.