“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

Background: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) 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 IDD to find a potential partner and/or develop an existing relationship.Results: Staff reported that many people with IDD 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.