The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has issued Bulletin 00-18-01, Guidelines Concerning Sexual Health, Personal Relationships, and Sexuality, effective April 13, 2018. The purpose of the bulletin is to encourage providers to develop policies consistent with the guidelines.
In 2016, ODP contracted with the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University to form a cross system, statewide committee of individuals with disabilities, professionals, family members, provider organizations, educators, medical professionals, and direct care staff to review and update the guidelines that were distributed in 1996.
The bulletin listed below is a result of that committee’s work. These guidelines are being issued to:
- Promote an environment where individuals with disabilities can pursue personal relationships and their sexuality;
- Promote an environment where individuals with disabilities can receive objective, non-judgmental, comprehensive information regarding sexual health and relationships; and
- Establish an expectation that provider agencies develop policies on sexual health, personal relationships, and sexuality consistent with the guidelines.
Bulletin 00-96-23, “Guidelines concerning Sexuality” issued December 31, 1996, is now obsolete. A link to the new bulletin and guidelines are here: