Understanding the Review Tribunal Form 1 for Deprivation of Liberty

Understanding the Review Tribunal Form 1 for Deprivation of Liberty Appeals in Northern Ireland

The Review Tribunal Form 1 is an official document issued by the Department of Justice Northern Ireland. It is designed for individuals who wish to appeal a deprivation of liberty (DoL) authorisation under the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. This form is a crucial step in the legal process for challenging decisions related to the detention or restriction of individuals lacking the capacity to consent, ensuring their rights are protected under the law.

Who Should Complete the Form?

This form is intended for a person (referred to as "P") who is subject to an authorisation for deprivation of liberty. This includes individuals detained in hospitals or care settings under specific authorisation types, such as short-term detention, trust panel authorisation, or extensions of existing authorisations. The person may wish to challenge the legality or appropriateness of their detention by applying to the Review Tribunal.

In addition, the applicant can be a nominated person, legal representative, or social worker acting on behalf of the individual. The form is accessible to those who have the individual's consent or legal authority to act in their best interests.

How to Complete the Form

Section 1 – Personal and Care Details

• Surname and Forename: Write in BLOCK CAPITALS.
• Date of Birth: Use the DD/MM/YYYY format.
• Responsible Trust or Person: Indicate the health and social care trust or individual currently responsible for the person's care and treatment.
• Authorisation Type: Select the relevant type of authorisation, such as Short-Term Detention or Trust Panel Authorisation (Interim, Standard, or Extension).
• Current Address: Include full postal details.
• Email Address: Provide for correspondence purposes.
• Nominated Person Details: If applicable, include the name and address of the nominated person acting on behalf of the individual.

Section 2 – Consent for Tribunal Hearing Format

Indicate whether you agree to your appeal being processed on the papers (written submissions only) or prefer an oral hearing. Tick the appropriate box:

• Yes: Consent to a paper-based review.
• No: Prefer an oral hearing.

Section 3 – Legal Representation

You have the right to free legal aid and can choose to be represented by a solicitor. If you wish to appoint a solicitor, provide their name and firm details. Alternatively, you can request the tribunal to appoint a solicitor on your behalf or choose to represent yourself.

Section 4 – Signature and Submission

The application must be signed by the individual or their authorised representative. Include the date and print the name in BLOCK CAPITALS. Once completed, the form can be submitted via email to:

[email protected]

or by post to:

2nd Floor, Royal Courts of Justice, Chichester Street, Belfast BT1 3JF

Additional Guidance and Support

Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance if needed. Support can be obtained from social workers, legal representatives, or nominated persons. The form is designed to be accessible, but completing it accurately is essential for a timely and effective review process.

Important Reminders

• Completeness: Fill out all sections as fully as possible.
• Signature: The form must be signed for it to be valid.
• Submission Limit: Do not submit the form more than once.
• Deadline: While not specified here, ensure submission within the relevant legal timeframe for appeals.

For further information about the Review Tribunal process and legal rights, visit the official government website or contact the Tribunal directly.