Course Description:

This Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) training course is designed for carers, healthcare professionals, and support staff to provide a clear understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and DoLS framework. The training aims to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills to support individuals who may lack the capacity to make decisions, ensuring their rights and freedoms are protected.

The course explores the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, how to assess capacity, and when to apply Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. It also focuses on best-interest decision-making and ensuring that care provided aligns with legal and ethical standards.

Topics include:

• Understand the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and its relevance to their role
• Learn how to assess an individual’s capacity to make decisions
• Safeguards (DoLS) may need to be applied
• Understand how to make best-interest decisions that comply with legal and ethical standards
• Learn how to document and report assessments, decisions, and actions taken
• Recognise the rights of individuals and the importance of promoting choice, dignity, and independence
• Identify when to escalate concerns and seek advice regarding mental capacity or DoLS applications