The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of delivering frontline services that are integrated, and are focused around the needs of children and young people. The CAF is a standardised approach to conducting assessments of children's additional needs and deciding how these should be met.
The CAF promotes more effective, earlier identification of additional needs, particularly in universal services. It aims to provide a simple process for a holistic assessment of children's needs and strengths; taking account of the roles of parents, carers and environmental factors on their development. Practitioners are then better placed to agree with children and families about appropriate modes of support. The CAF also aims to improve integrated working by promoting coordinated service provisions.
Listed on this page are the titles of the documents you will need in your specific role. Also available is a document offering help and advice with the completion of CAF Form 1. Downloads for these are attached for download.
- Useful guide to completion of the form
- The first form that you may need is the pre-assessment checklist in order to determine if a CAF assessment would be helpful.
- Depending on the outcome, you will need the CAF Form 1 and the CAF Information and Sharing Consent form.
- If the child is 13+ and would like a CAF without the knowledge of his/her parents/carers then you will need the Fraser Competency Checklist to evidence that they can make their own decision (this form is for your own records).
- Next you will need the CAF Multi Agency Meeting Plan to document the outcome of the CAF meeting.
- If you need support with the meeting, there is a CAF Multi Agency Meeting Agenda.
- Once the CAF episode is completed, you will need to complete the CAF Evaluation and Closure Form with the young person /parent/ carer in order for us to continually review our service.
Can we please ask that any form that you complete, a copy is sent to the CAF Coordinator in order for us to keep track of the CAF.
If you require any further information please contact the CAF team using the contact details provided.