Supporting the preparation for partnerships and family life for persons with intellectual disabilities : the preparedness of sexual trustees
Abstract
The aim of the research was to analyse the perspectives of sexual trustees on supporting young people with intellectual disabilities for relationships and parenthood. The six participating sexual trustees adopted a respectful and open attitude to the sexuality of their clients.
With respect to working with sexuality and relationships, the sexual trustees considered important to put in place an organisational framework and equip themselves with the relevant competencies. The family planning of their clients was not addressed at the organisation level, and the interviewed sexual trustees described conflicting feelings related to the support of their clients with concern to their desire to have children.
Moreover, the trustees were felt societal pressure to prevent conception associated with the topic of family planning.