Mapping and Evaluating Services for Children with Learning Disabilities and Behaviours that Challenge (MELD)

The MELD study aims to map English community-based services for children with learning disability (LD) and behaviours that challenge (BtC), describe service models, and evaluate outcomes and costs for these service models.

MELD is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Stage 1 of the MELD study mapped and collected data from 161 community-based services across England. Through statistical methods and consultation with family carers and clinicians, we were able to describe five distinct service models.

We are currently inviting selected services from each of the five service models to take part in Stage 2 of the study. To find out more about the MELD study and what Stage 2 will entail, please click on the ‘Information about the MELD Study’ button on this page.