What is RPR?
What Does an RPR Do?
Paid RPR
Who Can make an RPR Referral?
What is RPR?
A Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) supports people who are subject to a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisation. When a person is deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital for their safety and care, the law requires that they are supported by someone independent of services to ensure that their rights are upheld. This person is known as the Relevant Person’s Representative. The RPR helps ensure that the individual’s rights, wishes, and feelings are respected, and that the DoLS authorisation continues to be appropriate and proportionate.
What Does an RPR Do?
An RPR provides ongoing support and representation to the person by:
- Maintaining regular contact with the individual
- Ensuring they understand their rights under a DoLS
- Supporting them to express their wishes and feelings
- Ensuring that restrictions are documented and proportionate
- Checking that the deprivation of liberty remains necessary and appropriate
- Supporting the person to challenge the authorisation if needed
If concerns arise, the RPR may support the person to access advocacy or legal support.
Paid RPR
In some cases, a family member or friend may not be available or suitable to act as the Relevant Person’s Representative. In these situations, the local authority DoLS department may appoint a Paid RPR to carry out the role independently. A Paid RPR provides professional representation to ensure the person’s rights and freedoms are protected.
Who Can make an RPR Referral?
Referrals for Paid RPR services are usually made by:
- Local authority DoLS department
