The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of
delivering integrated frontline services for children and
young people and their families.
It identifies a child's needs from an early stage
and helps provide them with additional support
specifically taking into account the role of
parents, carers and environmental factors on their development
.
A CAF is completed with the consent and involvement of
those they concern and aim to provide a simple overall
assessment process of a child's needs and strengths.
A CAF is designed to reduce the number of different
assessments and should reduce the chances of children falling
through the net.
In effect a CAF should trigger guidance
from specialist services and prompt early intervention before
further problems arise.
The CAF is in use across North Somerset.
Our local guidance documents are available to support
practitioners:
