Deprivation of liberty: a practical guide

The primary focus of this guide by the Law Society is to assist staff to weigh up whether an individual with whom they are concerned may be deprived of their liberty.

It explains the relevant law including the grey areas and has a specific section (section 7) on supported living settings, including one on extra care housing.

For all setting covered, it gives three examples:

1. one where deprivation of liberty is likely to apply
2. one where it might apply
3. one where it is unlikely to apply

Both in the full guide and in a two-sided quick reference guide, "liberty restricting measures" which could point to a deprivation of liberty are listed.

Questions are set out that front-line staff should consider to help establish whether the individual is being deprived of their liberty.