The LPS - What's Next?

Local Authority Insight Series: The LPS - What's Next?

Deprivations of Liberty: What now?

In April, the government quietly announced that the much-anticipated Legal Protection Safeguards (LPS) would be postponed until well “into the next Parliament”.

So where does this leave local authorities who were waiting on the new LPS regime to streamline and clarify the process of caring for adults without the capacity to take their own decisions?

The formulation of the LPS was well advanced and, indeed, was originally proposed to come into effect last year. In light of the consultation process, commentary and training that has taken place in the run up to the LPS’s presumed implementation, to what extent can the old Deprivations of Liberty (DOLs) regime just carry on as it did in the past, or will its operation be strongly influenced by the development of the LPS regime? Meanwhile, how and can local authority lawyers best cope with the deficiencies of the DOLs regime and what might the consequences of delay be for local authorities and those in their care?

Speakers

Alex Ruck Keene KC (Hon)

Alex Ruck Keene is an experienced barrister, writer and educator. His practice is focused on mental capacity, mental health and healthcare law. He also writes extensively, editing and contributing to leading textbooks and (amongst many other publications) the 39 Essex Chambers Mental Capacity Law Report, the ‘bible’ for solicitors (and others) working in the area. He is the creator of the website Mental Capacity Law and Policy, providing resources and expert commentary on some of the most difficult mental capacity issues.

Alex complements his practice with a deep interest in research and education. He is a Visiting Professor at King’s College London, a Visiting Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London and a Research Affiliate at the Essex Autonomy Project, University of Essex. In addition to his academic positions, he lectures widely on the Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act and trains judges, social workers, doctors, nurses and other professionals who have cause to work with them.

Graeme Kenna

Graeme Kenna is a Senior Solicitor at Bradford City Council. He is Experienced in all aspects of Childrens, Education, Adult Services, Community Care Law. Includes advocacy, advice at all levels. He has extensive training experience of legal, social work and education professionals, elected members and officers.