There have been a number of high-profile Court of Protection (CoP) cases this year on the subject of DoLS placement and provisions. These cases each raise questions around the least restrictive option for the individual, what classes as ‘best interest’, and what do we mean by proportionate, reasonable and justifiable care.
There are a great many forms that can be found on the UK government website regarding Court of Protection applications, assessments and statements.
According to UK consumer rights organisation Which?, the Power of Attorney system is in ‘desperate need of improvement’. This is because many people don’t understand how the system works, and it can also be difficult to put vital Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) arrangements in place.
A Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) is a necessary and essential role under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). It is the role of the RPR to maintain regular contact with the relevant person who has been deprived of liberty, and represent them in all relevant matters. This can include: appealing against a DoLS authorisation, requesting a review, ensuring least restrictive practices are in place or raising a complaint.
We often hear the words least restrictive practice, which we often associate with physical or medical restraint. However, an often overlooked area of least restrictive practice is placement, which is more easily thought of as where someone lives and the restrictions placed upon them.