Common Assessment Framework (CAF)

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of delivering frontline services that are integrated and focused around the needs of children and young people.

The CAF is a standardised approach to conducting an assessment of a child's additional needs and deciding how those needs should be met.  It can be used by practitioners across all areas of children's services in England, including both statutory and voluntary agencies.

The CAF will promote more effective, earlier identification of additional needs, particularly in universal services.  It is intended to provide a simple process for a holistic assessment of a child's needs and strengths, taking account of the roles of parents, carers and environmental factors on their development.  The CAF will also help to improve integrated working by promoting co-ordinated service provision as an integral part of the Warrington family support model.

Authorities across the country are introducing CAF and Warrington wants to ensure that its practices relate to others across the region.  As such, Warrington is part of a north west regional CAF group where all north west authorities work together to share best practice, create regional standards and look at creating smooth working practices across local authority boundaries.

Should you be working with a family or child from a neighbouring authority, the CAF lead  from that authority may be able to offer assistance.

In Warrington, CAF has been implemented since April 2006, with full implementation to be achieved across the borough by the end of 2008.

CAF data will supply basic identifying information for inclusion on ContactPoint. ContactPoint is a contacts list for professionals who work with children and young people. It will provide professionals with a quick way to find out who else is working with the same child, making it easier to deliver more coordinated support. ContactPoint lists contact details for all children in England up to their 18th birthday, their parents and carers and services working with a child.

For further information visit: www.ecm.gov.uk/contactpointorwww.warrington.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/everychildmatters/cp

Related pages:

• Family support model (FSM)
• Information sharing
• CAF - guide for young people
• Service allocation meetings (SAM)

Publications and leaflets:

• Family support leaflet
• Common assessment framework factsheet
• Lead professional factsheet        

Information for practitioners:

• CAF manager's guide
• CAF practitioner's guide
• Lead professional manager's guide
• Lead professional practitioner's guide
• CAF assessment form (PDF)
• CAF assessment form (Word) 

External websites:

• Every Child Matters 
• Warrington Safeguarding Children Board 
• Children's Workforce Development Council         

Contact us:

Last updated 20/07/2010 12:32:32

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