Recent service evaluation research on people with learning difficulties

Substantial research on the evaluation of residential services for people with learning difficulties emerged over the last ten years in the UK. Reviews some of the major findings (N = 14). Their measures on the effectiveness of services were based on three components: the reduction of clients’ challenging behaviour; the level of engagement between staff and clients; and clients’ community involvement. An overall impression showed inconsistency and controversy in the first two components but a negative trend in the third. Discusses some methodological issues and suggests other components for service evaluation research.