adult relationships that are valued in our society. Have we, as care-givers, neglected an important area of personal growth and development in those we care for? We live in a society which expects sexually responsible behaviour from adults with learning difficulties, even when society's attitude is ambivalent, and individuals have not been taught what is - and what is not - socially acceptable, sexually responsible behaviour. It is therefore important that social carers have a holistic approach to working with service users who have learning difficulties, to enable the acquisition and use of the necessary "adult relationship skills". This introductory good practice statement is intended to encourage debate about issues of personal relationships and adults with learning difficulties in social care settings. There are other contemporary issues (not addressed here) about sexuality and relationships within society that will affect this group of service users and require further consideration: • Lesbian and gay issues • Bereavement-loss of partner or significant others • Health issues including AIDS/HIV • Sexual abuse ]