New code to protect the liberty of those who cannot consent comes into force

April 2009

The ‘Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards' came into force on 1st April. This new code of practice is to protect people who have a mental disorder that means they need to be kept under the care of a hospital or care home while they receive treatment they need, but who do not have the capacity to consent to these arrangements.

The safeguards ensure that there are systems in place so that if a person cannot consent, their freedom is not restricted by the care home or hospital more than necessary, and any restriction is in their best interests.

• Find out more about the Deprivation of Liberty safeguards