Deaf Specialist Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR)

 

When an individual is deprived of their liberty through a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard (DoLS) under the Mental Capacity Act, the legislation states that the individual must have a Representative. This Representative can sometimes be a friend or family member acting on their behalf but on occasions the ‘Best Interests Assessor’ will stipulate that the role is unsuitable for friends or family. On these occasions, the Local Authority will arrange for a Paid Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) to act on behalf of the individual.

 

Individuals under a DoLS sometimes can’t tell their advocate exactly what they need or want. Their RPR will be able to find different ways of establishing their views, wishes and feelings so as to help uphold their rights. This RPR acts as a ‘noninstructed advocate’, acting in the best interests of the individual during the term of their DoLS.

 

The Relevant Person’s Representative will: 

 

• As far as possible, help them to understand their DoLS authorisation and how it affects them. 

• Ensure that any standard conditions within their Best Interest Assessment (BIA) are being upheld; 

• Regularly check that the individual is receiving appropriate care and support; 

• Contact a Solicitor on their behalf if they wish to challenge the DoLS or find that relevant paperwork, protocols, procedures and deprivation feel unfair in any way (Section 21A). 

• Check their Care Plan and ensure that the individual is doing well, with Care Plan instructions followed. 

• Represent and advocate their views, wishes and rights are respected under DoLS.

 

Again, in these situations it can be absolutely vital to have a Deaf Specialist RPR available to represent D/deaf individuals. Having a lived experience of deafness means that a Deaf Specialist RPR understands complex needs and the social conditioning that can come with deafness, cultural and linguistic minorities. Often, D/deaf people can be misunderstood and/or non-verbal as illness progresses. Having a Deaf Specialist RPR ensures that there is maximum opportunity for any non-verbal language or movements to be fully recognised and appreciated within the realms of Deaf cultural interaction and signed modalities.