Deprivation of Liberty applications rise for the fourth year

The number of completed Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) applications have risen for the fourth year running, according to new figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).

During 2013/14 there were 13,000 DoL applications completed by Councils with Adult Social Services Responsibilities (CASSRs or councils) in England, reflecting a ten per cent increase on 2012/13 (11,900).

A DoL refers to a restriction of an individual’s freedom such as physical restraint or constant supervision.  The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) are a set of legal requirements which ensure individuals are only deprived of their liberty in a necessary and proportionate way.

An individual can have more than one DoL application made for them during the period this report relates to.

These completed applications relate to 9,400 individuals, 73 per cent had only one application made for them during the reporting period. 18 per cent of individuals had two applications made and the remaining nine per cent had three or more applications.

Of the 13,000 DoL applications completed in 2013-14, 59 per cent (7,600 applications) were granted which is the highest percentage since the DoLS legislation came into force in 2009.

5,400 applications were not granted in 2013/14 as they failed one or more of the six DoL assessment criteria.

Older people are more likely to have a DoL application made for them, within the 85 and above age group the rate stood at 212 individuals per 100,000 population, whereas the rate per 100,000 population for the 18-64 age group stood at seven individuals.

During 2013/14 a total of 8,500 authorisations were active10 and 5,800 ended during the period, of which:

• 70 per cent of (4,100 authorisations) were in place for three months or less.
• 22 per cent (1,300 authorisations) were in place for three to six months
• Eight per cent (500 authorisations) were in place for more than six months.

HSCIC Chair Kingsley Manning said: “Depriving an individual of their liberty is a measure that is undertaken for the safety of the patient. The DoLS legal framework ensures that these individuals are only deprived of their liberty in a necessary and proportionate way.

“It is hoped that this report will provide information which can help stakeholders understand the extent of DoL applications and their use within councils and nationally.”

The report can be accessed at: http://www.hscic.gov.uk/pubs/mentcap1314annual