Common Assessment Framework (CAF)

CAF has four elements

• A simple Pre-Assessment Checklist to identify children or young people who would benefit from a common assessment
• A process for undertaking a common assessment, to gather and understand information about the needs and strengths of the child-based on discussions with the child, their family and other practitioners as appropriate
• A standard form to record and, where appropriate share with others, the findings from the assessment in terms that are helpful in working with the family to find a response to unmet needs
• A multi-agency action plan and regular monitoring and review

Completing the CAF will help to

• Provide a structure for recording and sharing information, with consent
• Involve other services to improve the outcomes for the child or young person
• Address concerns about a child or young person’s well-being in more than one area
• Provide a common form of assessment which will be familiar across children and young people’s services
• Reduce duplication for practitioners

This will result in

• Earlier and holistic identification of the child or young person’s needs
• Facilitation of better joint working with the parent or carer before the child or young person’s needs escalate
• Reducing multiple assessments for young people and their families

I trust her. We did the CAF together and she made it easy to understand. Then I checked it over to make sure I was happy about the information and where it was going. Also, she doesn't tell anyone about what I say to her. She says we'll never tell anybody unless we have to because of keeping me safe, and if anyone needs to be told I will be there so it wouldn't be behind my back.