Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding (DoLS) Extension Request - Form 1

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 covering England and Wales, provides a statutory framework for acting and making decisions on behalf of people who lack the capacity to make decisions for themselves. These can be small decisions such as what clothes to wear or major decisions such as where to live. It is recognised that there are times when the measures put in place will restrict a person's movements, albeit in their best interests and proportionate to the risk of harm, to a point where they may become deprived of their liberty.

The maximum length of time that an urgent authorisation can be extended is 7 days and it may only be extended once. Only the managing authority can make a request, and only when all of the following apply:

• The urgent authorisation has not already been extended;
• A request has been made for a standard authorisation;
• There are exceptional reasons why the standard authorisation has not yet been granted or considered; and
• It is essential to continue the existing detention.

The DoLs coordinator at the supervisory body should pass all extension requests to an authoriser straight away. The extension must be authorised if all of the above conditions apply. Remember: An urgent authorisation can only be extended once and for no more than 7 days. The managing authority must be notified of the extension as soon as possible after it has been granted. B&NES DoLs Team process: You will receive a submitted form notification from this portal to your registered email address confirming we have received your Form 1. DoLs Team will triage each referral and be in contact with you to discuss the process and give advice.

Please contact the BANES DoLs Team on 01225 477900 or dols@bathnes.gov.uk