ADASS community deprivation of liberty priority tool
Last updated: 5 June 2026
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About this guidance
The aim of the tool is to assist Councils to respond in a timely manner to those requests for community authorisation which have the highest priority. The tool sets out the criteria to identify where the most urgent action is needed when someone aged 16+ needs to be cared for in a way that amounts to a deprivation of liberty but outside of a hospital or registered care home. The use of this tool must be balanced against the legal criteria which remains unchanged.
5 June, 2026: In light of the recent Supreme Court judgement we will be reviewing our DoLS resources.