A new Research in Practice briefing aims to help practitioners working with adults with care and support needs, and supporting them with their intimate relationships.
This Frontline Briefing focuses predominantly on the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, as the key piece of legislation underpinning this area that practitioners need to understand when supporting people with the broader aspects of interpersonal and intimate relationships as well as sex. It also considers the intersection between the MCA and criminal law.
Readers will build legal literacy and confidence in understanding how the law applies in these situations and the way in which drawing on case law can aid practitioner knowledge and understanding. The briefing includes:
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An introduction to the MCA and its key provisions.
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Examples of how the MCA applies to situations where there are complex or abusive interpersonal relationships.
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Reflective questions and activities designed to stimulate critical thinking about complex issues in this area of practice.
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Exploration of the intersections between the MCA and the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the Serious Crime Act 2015 and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
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Discussion of the responsibilities that individual practitioners, including social workers and occupational therapists, have in carrying out practice in this area.
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Exploration of legal cases to support practitioners to understand the law and how it applies to practice.
Research in Practice resources to support adults to have intimate relationships
There are many facets of professional practice that are important in supporting adults to have intimate relationships, some of these are covered in the following resources:
Adults with learning disabilities aspire to have intimate relationships as most people do, yet often describe feeling lonely. Practice has traditionally focused on ‘keeping people safe’ by limiting rather than encouraging relationships.
This briefing focuses on how practitioners can support people to have positive relationships and minimise the risk of exploitation. It also explores how to enable adults with learning disabilities to define what they want and expect from a relationship.
This Practice Tool aims to support the practical application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 across health and social care. It provides information about the legislative context alongside practice examples and tools that can be used by practitioners when working with people who may lack capacity.
Practice Pointer - Working with risk
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Practice Pointer - Working with risk in adults social care
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