Common Assessment Framework

Common Assessment Framework

View the Access to Services handbook.

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is for parents, carers, children and young people who have additional needs. It is a key component in the Every Child Matters: Change for Children Programme, the aim of which is to ensure that every child receives the universal services to which they are entitled and any additional services they need at the earliest opportunity

The CAF is...

For anyone who works with children, young people and families, whether as employees or volunteers, working in the public, private or voluntary sectors. It is for staff working in health; education; early years and childcare; social care; youth offending; police; youth support/Connexions services; and leisure. It is also for those who work in services for adults, as many of the adults accessing those services are also parents or carers. Parents/carers and young people are also able to complete Common Assessments, and can be Lead Practitioners (with support).

A shared assessment tool used across agencies in England, assisting practitioners to develop a shared understanding of a child's needs so that they can be met more effectively.

An important tool for earlier intervention – practitioners assess needs at an earlier stage and work with families alongside other practitioners and agencies to meet them.