The Evaluation of Quality in a Mental Handicap Service

A district‐wide evaluation of a residential service for mentally handicapped adults is described. The measures relate to the conditions for a reasonable quality of life for the residents. The results show that, in an ordinary service, client outcomes can compare reasonably with findings published by exemplary projects, although there were marked variations. A direct observation methodology is described which can be applied in services without special resources. Such an approach may help meet the increasing requirements, in Community Care legislation, to monitor the quality of services provided to people with long‐term needs. The role of evaluation in service development is discussed, as is the relation of evaluation to quality. Finally, the key influence of managers on the quality of staff performance is highlighted.