Common Assessment Framework - CAF

Photo from the Common Assessment Framework publicity poster

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of delivering frontline services that are integrated and 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".

More information about the Common Assessment Framework can be found on the Every Child Matters website.

Below you will find various links to help you with the implementation of CAF in Surrey.

New Process - Referral to Social Care

Read about the New process for referrals to Children's Service Social Care as from 13 October 2008. This will replace the Inter-Agency Referral Form currently in use.