Deprivation of Liberty: Rules Helping Authorities Place Children Across Border in Scotland Come into Force

Alex Turner - Community Care

Rules making it easier for authorities to place children in residential care in Scotland from the rest of the UK under deprivation of liberty (DoL) orders have come into force.

The regulations will mean English and Welsh councils, and Northern Irish health and social care trusts, will no longer have to petition the Court of Session to have DoL orders, issued under the inherent jurisdiction of their respective High Courts, recognised in Scotland.

Instead, the regulations will enable cross-border placements to take place so long as the authority meets specified conditions.