Sheffield youth workers create guidelines on disability and sex

The publication, produced by charity Sheffield Futures, is aimed at youth workers, parents and carers. It covers issues such as providing condoms to young people with learning disabilities and how to deal with homosexual relationships.

The 40-page guide contains case studies presenting a range of scenarios and the appropriate courses of action to take.

The guide, Young Disabled People: Sexuality & Personal Relationships Policy and Practice Guidelines, was developed by youth workers who were frequently confronted by relationship issues during their work.

The guidelines aim to help those working with young people to ensure they do not restrict choices for young people, but also guard against allegations of negligence or even abuse.

Roger Simmons, senior youth worker at Stepping Stone, Sheffield Future's project working with disabled young people, said: "The guidelines are based on real situations and the experiences of people used to facing those situations.

"There are no clear answers, but we need to make sure we are working to guidelines and considering the right issues."

Graham Jowett, director of education at young people's disability charity Treloar said: "The guidelines are a good step forward to tackle these sensitive issues - young people with disabilities have the same rights as any other young person of the same age. This includes the right to achieve fulfilling relationships." Meanwhile, sexual health charity fpa is launching a campaign supporting the rights of people with learning disabilities to relationships and sex.

The It's My Right! campaign includes a set of posters featuring models with learning disabilities, as well as a downloadable survey in an "easy read" format, which will help professionals to understand the views of service users.

- www.cypnow.co.uk/doc.