Common Assessment Framework (CAF)

What is the Common Assessment Framework (CAF)?

CAF is a new way of working with children and young people aged 0 to 19. It involves listening to you and your child to find out your child's needs.

The CAF is particularly good at pulling together all of the information about your child on the same form, so that you do not have to repeat the same story to different professionals.

An action plan, agreed with you and your child, is also put in place to make sure that you all get the right sort of help.

How does it work?

If your child's school, or any other agency (e.g. a youth club), considers that your child needs extra support, a worker will carry out a common assessment to help identify what support your child needs.

This assessment will only be done with you and your family's consent. The information gathered will be confidential and it will not be shared with others without your written permission.

With your agreement the same worker will attend a meeting with representatives from a range of agencies including health, education and voluntary services, to make sure that the right help is provided for your child. At the meeting one person will be given the responsibility to support you and your family and to ensure that everything agreed at the meeting is done. This person is known as a Lead Professional and he/she will work with you and all the agencies involved to make sure your child's needs are met.

For further information please see the Common Assessment Framework (.pdf, 242Kb) leaflet.