ADASS Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs) priority tool
Last updated: 14 July 2026
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About this guidance
Following the Supreme Court judgment in June 2026, known as AGNI, the ADASS Priority Tool has been reviewed to support councils.
The judgment overturned the previous acid test and replaced it with a multifactorial test. The tool sets out the criteria that may indicate an urgent response is needed to safeguard individuals. Its use should be balanced against the legal criteria for the DoLS, which remain unchanged. ADASS has endorsed the tool, with thanks to West Midlands ADASS. Situations not identified as high priority may no longer meet the threshold for a deprivation of liberty; however, ADASS recommends an initial proportionate assessment by a Best Interests Assessor to determine this (for example, using a Form 3A or equivalent).