DCW119-Supporting Personal and Sexual Relationships Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Supporting Personal and Sexual Relationships Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out our approach to supporting service users in their right to personal and sexual relationships while receiving care and support. It ensures that our home care service upholds the dignity, autonomy, and human rights of individuals, recognising that all adults have the right to express their sexuality and form relationships, regardless of age, disability, or the need for care.

Our organisation is committed to promoting person-centred care, ensuring that service users are supported in ways that reflect their individual choices, needs, and preferences. We will provide staff with clear guidance on how to approach this sensitive area professionally, lawfully, and with respect for the rights and well-being of all involved.

This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and CIW’s core values, ensuring compliance with best practices in social care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, and contracted workers who provide domiciliary care services. It also applies to service users, their families, and external agencies involved in the provision of care.

It covers:

The rights of service users to develop personal and sexual relationships.
How staff can support service users in maintaining safe and consensual relationships.
How to address issues related to mental capacity, consent, safeguarding, and risk management.
Professional boundaries and how staff should respond to inappropriate or challenging behaviour.
The support available for LGBTQ+ service users, those with disabilities, and individuals who may face barriers to relationships.

3. Managing Personal and Sexual Relationships in Care

3.1 Recognising and Respecting Service Users’ Rights

Every individual receiving care has the right to privacy, dignity, and autonomy. This includes the right to:

Form intimate and romantic relationships.
Express their sexuality in a way that does not cause harm to others.
Receive support in accessing sexual health services and education.
Have their choices respected, provided they have the mental capacity to make informed decisions.

Staff must ensure that personal beliefs or discomfort do not interfere with supporting service users in exercising these rights. If a staff member feels unable to support a service user in this area, they must refer the matter to a senior manager rather than impose their personal views.

3.2 Supporting Safe and Consensual Relationships

Staff must take a positive approach to supporting relationships while ensuring that all interactions are consensual, safe, and do not cause harm. This includes:

Encouraging open discussions about relationships, love, and intimacy.
Providing information about safe sex, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Supporting individuals in accessing counselling, relationship advice, or specialist services.
Ensuring service users have access to sexual health clinics and GP services for regular check-ups.

If a service user wishes to form a relationship, staff should assess any support needs, such as communication barriers, mobility assistance, or ensuring privacy within their home.

3.3 Mental Capacity and Consent

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, service users must have the capacity to consent to sexual relationships. Staff must:

Assess whether a service user understands what a relationship entails, including the risks and responsibilities.
Ensure that consent is freely given and not influenced by coercion, abuse, or misunderstanding.
Seek guidance from social workers or legal professionals where capacity is unclear.

If a service user lacks capacity, staff must not assume they cannot experience relationships. Alternative ways of expressing affection, companionship, or non-sexual relationships should be considered in a way that respects their emotional well-being.

3.4 LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Support

Our organisation is committed to ensuring that LGBTQ+ service users feel respected and supported. Staff must:

Recognise diverse sexual orientations and gender identities without discrimination.
Use correct pronouns and preferred names when addressing service users.
Challenge any homophobic, transphobic, or discriminatory attitudes from colleagues, service users, or families.
Provide signposting to LGBTQ+ support organisations where additional guidance is needed.

All service users, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, have the right to be treated with equality and respect.

3.5 Privacy, Confidentiality, and Professional Boundaries

Staff must uphold confidentiality regarding service users’ relationships and sexual health unless there is a safeguarding risk. Staff should:

Respect service users’ privacy when they engage in relationships.
Ensure that care plans reflect personal preferences in relationships and sexuality.
Not share or discuss a service user’s personal life with others unless explicit consent has been given.
Seek guidance from the Registered Manager ({{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}) if a situation is complex or raises ethical concerns.

4. Safeguarding and Risk Management

4.1 Identifying and Preventing Abuse

Staff must be vigilant in recognising signs of abuse, coercion, or exploitation in relationships. If a service user is in a relationship that appears harmful, staff must:

Report concerns to the Safeguarding Lead ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} – {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_role}}).
Work with social workers and safeguarding teams to assess risks and ensure protection.
Support service users in exiting abusive relationships safely, if needed.

Any concerns regarding forced marriage, financial exploitation, or domestic abuse must be handled in accordance with our Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13).

4.2 Supporting Service Users with Disabilities

Individuals with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or neurodiversity may require additional support in forming and maintaining relationships. Staff should:

Provide accessible information about relationships and sexuality.
Assist in facilitating social opportunities while respecting independence.
Challenge misconceptions that people with disabilities do not or should not engage in relationships.
Work with families and professionals to balance safeguarding concerns with the right to autonomy.

5. Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff must complete mandatory training on supporting personal and sexual relationships in care. This includes:

Understanding mental capacity and consent laws.
Recognising and preventing abuse in relationships.
LGBTQ+ awareness and inclusivity.
Maintaining professional boundaries and safeguarding responsibilities.

Failure to uphold this policy may result in disciplinary action in line with our Disciplinary and Grievance Policy (DCW31).

6. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

Person-Centred Care Policy (DCW07)
Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (DCW39)
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy (DCW30)
Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13)
Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy (DCW34)

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or best practice guidelines. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring its effective implementation.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.