Working with Families and Carers

7.1    The involvement of parents and carers in the lives of their learning disabled son or daughter is very important. If a service user gives their permission, it can be helpful for parents to know their son or daughter is taking part in a relationships and sex education programme and to have some knowledge of the material which will be used. This can give them the opportunity to discuss any  
fears and confusions and also to support their son and daughter in reinforcing what they have learnt.

7.2    Some parents may object to a sex education programme out of principle, even if they have seen the material and are aware of the content. In such a situation, if an adult with a learning disability has capacity, still wishes to take part in a sex and relationships education programme and has made an informed choice to do so, they should be supported to attend the course. Any such decision to support a service user in accessing training and information about sexuality, relationships and related health needs should be recorded and discussed with the appropriate Line Manager and if necessary with a relationship champion. Service users should be offered the services of an advocate if they feel they want support in expressing their wishes to their parent carers.

7.3    Some parents may object to their adult son or adult daughter having sexual feelings and wanting to have intimate personal relationships. This issue can be a very emotive one and staff will need to acknowledge the potential conflict of views over the expression of sexuality between a service user and his/her parent(s). It is important to work in partnership with families, whilst keeping the person with a learning disability as the focus. In practice this means that workers have a responsibility to:

• ensure that good communication with families and carers exists, and make sure their views are listened to and treated with respect. However, the rights of the person with learning disabilities need to be of primary importance
  
• take seriously any issues raised by families relating to personal safety of the person with a learning disability by undertaking appropriate risk assessment
  
• ensure that families and carers have the opportunity to find out about and discuss issues relating to relationships and the sexual well being of their son/daughter. However, staff must respect the right to privacy with regard to personal matters and, the service user’s permission should always be sought prior to discussing such matters with their family
  
• ensure that service users, families and carers have access to the appropriate Complaints about corporate issues | Gloucestershire County Council