English: deprivation of liberty

Part of speech

Verb

Definition

Being deprived of liberty means that you are kept on a locked ward or in a locked room, or you are not free to go anywhere without permission or close supervision, and you are usually under continuous control and supervision. This is against the law unless it is done under the rules set out in the Mental Capacity Act. This may happen if you need to go into a care home or hospital to get care or treatment, but you don't have the capacity to make decisions about this yourself. If you are living at home, you can also be deprived of your liberty lawfully if the Court of Protection makes an order allowing it.