Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) updates
On 2 June 2026, the Supreme Court issued a judgment which changes the legal framework for deprivation of liberty in adult social care. We are reviewing the judgment and working on new guidance. In the meantime, continue to submit DoLS applications in the usual way.
Updated service briefings, practice guidance and notes we have produced:
- Deprivation of liberty safeguards authorisation - application guidance (PDF, 171.8 KB)
- Local Implementation Network (LIN) DOLS checklist flowchart (PDF, 283.9 KB)
Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS)
Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) were due to replace the current DoLS system from October 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the government has not announced a revised date yet.
Read the Liberty Protection Safeguards factsheets (PDF, 313.6 KB)
The LPS Code of Practice and regulation is yet to be published. In the meantime, we are planning how best to support these changes and will update this page when we know more.