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.

中文翻译：

---

“总是试图走钢丝”：社会护理人员在支持智力和发育障碍的成年人发展和维持爱的关系方面的作用

背景：智力和发育障碍 (IDD) 人士在发展和维持亲密关系方面面临挑战，经常需要员工的支持。方法：焦点小组由 26 名社会护理人员组成，以探讨他们为 IDD 患者提供的支持，以寻找潜在的合作伙伴和/或发展现有关系。结果：工作人员报告说，许多 IDD 患者希望建立关系，并且他们尽其所能促进这一点，有时会提供大量支持。一些工作人员不得不解决与性有关的复杂问题，往往没有经过培训，也缺乏明确的组织政策。结论：强调外部检查和监管机构需要优先考虑关系支持。