The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 provides a legal framework for assessing whether a person has mental capacity to make specific decisions.
It also defines how others can make decisions on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity, in their best interests.
Since April 2009, the Mental Capacity Act has allowed for the Deprivation of Liberty of people who lack capacity to consent to their care and treatment arrangements.
This power is only available under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards if the person is in a care home or hospital.
Westmorland and Furness council act as the Supervisory Body as part of this scheme.
To make an application, use the contact details below:
Dols.Auth.WAF@cumbria.gov.uk
01228 226170
More information
You can find further guidance about the scheme on the Age UK website (PDF, 464kb).
For help filling out the relevant forms, and the forms themselves, visit GOV.UK.