ERIC Number: EJ1273794
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Dec
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
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"Always Trying to Walk a Bit of a Tightrope": The Role of Social Care Staff in Supporting Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Develop and Maintain Loving Relationships
Bates, Claire; McCarthy, Michelle; Milne Skillman, Karen; Elson, Nicola; Forrester-Jones, Rachel; Hunt, Siobhan
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v48 n4 p261-268 Dec 2020
Background: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities face challenges in developing and maintaining intimate relationships, frequently requiring support from staff. Method: Focus groups were conducted with 26 social care staff members to explore the support they provided to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find a potential partner and/or develop an existing relationship. Results: Staff reported that many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities wanted to be in a relationship and that they did what they could to facilitate this, sometimes providing substantial support. Some staff had to address complex issues relating to sexuality, often with no training and with a lack of clear organisational policies. Conclusion: The need for external inspection and regulatory bodies to prioritise relationship support is emphasised.
Descriptors: Adults, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Interpersonal Relationship, Caregiver Role, Intimacy, Interpersonal Competence, Facilitators (Individuals), Sexuality
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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