Common Assessment Framework (CAF)

CAF is a key part of the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme.

· A CAF can help identify, at the earliest opportunity, if a child or young person needs some extra help.

· A CAF is a simple, standardised assessment form

· A CAF can be undertaken by anyone who works with the child or young person

· It can only be completed if a child, young person and/or their parents and carers gives consent

· A CAF form is filled in after a discussion with the child or young person and their parents or carers as appropriate and identifies their strengths and needs

· A completed form can be used to share information with other people who might be able to offer some help (but only if consent is given)

· Everyone who might be able to help can be invited to a CAF multi-agency meeting – one person is chosen as a Lead Professional to co-ordinate the actions that are agreed at the meeting