DoLS Authorisation

New official statistics for DoLS cases, 2022-23

9 October 20234 October 2023
Comment, Mental Capacity in Practice

NHS Digital has published national statistics for DoLS cases for the period April 2022 to March 2023. The report reveals that:

There were an estimated 300,765 requests for authorisations during 2022-23, up 11% on the previous year
There were 289,150 authorisations completed in 2022-23, while 126,100 remain uncompleted as of the end of the year
Of all DoLS applications, 56% of applications were not granted, mostly due to either change of circumstances, misapplication (requiring a community DoLS or Inherent Jurisdiction) or not meeting the assessment criteria
The statutory 21-day timeframe for authorisations was only met in 19% of cases

Parental consent and DoLS for under-16s

21 November 20227 November 2022
Comment, Mental Capacity in Practice

There are often many complex interactions between legislation and case law – especially in the field of mental capacity and the Mental Capacity Act (2005) specifically. For this reason it is vital for professionals working in this area to ensure they are familiar with updates in case law to ensure those within the system are protected and best practice is upheld.

DoLS delays: stack of files waiting to be processed

DoLS delays: Impact on practice

10 February 202210 February 2022
Comment, News

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has recently found that over 1,000 people have been unlawfully deprived of liberty due to DoLS application delays by Cheshire East Council. One case in particular was delayed by more than six years.