Common Assessment Framework (CAF)

• The Common Assessment will ensure that a child or young person with additional needs only has to tell their story once.
• The lead professional will be one point of contact and co-ordinate a family support plan.
• An information sharing protocol will ensure that information is shared appropriately and safely

CAF is the only assessment that can be used by practitioners in all agencies in England that deliver service to children and young people. It covers all aspects that affect a child's development from health education and social development, through to housing and family relationships.

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) in Herefordshire

The CAF was piloted in Herefordshire in 2007 and a report on the pilot study was produced in December 2007. The report can be downloaded from the resources box below.

Building on the success of the pilot, the Herefordshire CAF will be rolled out countywide from June 2008.

Introduction to CAF

If you want a quick and easy introduction to the CAF then you should take a look at 'Making it Happen'. This enjoyable 10-minute read shows how professionals can work together more effectively for children and families. It clearly links this to the Every Child Matters agenda. It shows where CAF fits in. The Making it Happen document can be downloaded from the Every Child Matters website.

CAF Supporting Tool

In the resources box below you can download a useful supporting tools document which includes an example of a completed Common Assessment (page 7).

CAF Practitioner Training will be freely on offer throughout Herefordshire to those who work with children. Basic Briefing will also be available to a very wide range of stakeholders - not just those working directly with children. We are making a special effort to ensure that as many people as possible get the opportunity to find out more about this exciting new initiative.

To find out more about briefings and courses in your part of Herefordshire, call the CAF Information Point on 01432 260885.

Resources

CAF form

MS Word

279kb

Guide to definitions used in CAF form

Adobe PDF

373kb

Implementing the Common Assessment Framework in Herefordshire - Report on Pilot

Adobe PDF

5826kb

The Common Assessment Framework for children and young people: Supporting tools

Adobe PDF

514kb

If you need help to understand a document, or would like it in another format or language, please call 01432 260500 or email info@herefordshire.gov.uk

Adobe offer a free Reader to view these files which can be downloaded from their website