The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a central part of the Government’s plan to make sure that different services work together to support children and young people.
- Make sure that children and young people who have ‘additional needs’ are identified as early as possible.
- Reduce the number of assessments children and young people might need to undergo.
- Improve the quality of assessments across all services for children and young people.
- Support any referrals between different services that are necessary about children and young people.
One of the professionals working with you and your child (or children) may suggest a Common Assessment to explore the additional support your child (or children) might need to do their best. An assessment should help you and the professionals involved to plan what to do next if your child (or children) needs additional support. If you agree to a Common Assessment, it should:
- Be easy and straightforward for professionals, your child and yourself to complete.
- Encourage the professionals involved with you to focus on your child’s (or children’s) whole range of needs - including their education, learning, health care in the wider context of your family, community and culture
- Focus on possible solutions with you and your child (or children).
- Focus on what your child (or children) does well, not just on any difficulties and problems they may have.
- Encourage professionals from different services to work together to support you and your child (or children).
Useful Documents
Policies and Procedures
Useful Links
