The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of
delivering frontline services as outlined in the statutory guidance
supporting section 10 (interagency co-operation) and section 11
(safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children) of the
Children Act 2004. The services focused around the needs of
children and young people. The CAF is a standardised approach to
conducting an assessment of a child's additional needs and deciding
how those needs should be met. It can be used by practitioners
across children's services in England.
The CAF will promote more effective, earlier identification of
additional needs, particularly in universal services. It is
intended to provide a simple process for a holistic assessment of a
child's needs and strengths, taking account of the role of parents,
carers and environmental factors on their development.
Practitioners will then be better placed to agree, with the child
and family, about what support is appropriate. The CAF will also
help to improve integrated working by promoting co-ordinated
service provision.
For more information, see the
Integrated Working Programme webpage or the
Every Child Matters website.