Common Assessment Framework

 Common Assessment Framework

In order to prevent families from reaching crisis point we need to identify and provide the right services and support at the earliest opportunity. With the families consent and co-operation the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is used to assess and then plan the most appropriate intervention to meet the child/young person's needs.  

"A CAF should not be completed if it is believed a child is a risk of being abused. You must follow Hartlepool Local Safeguarding Board Child Protection procedures and immediately contact the duty team"

Monday to Friday 9.00 - 17.00 01429 266522 or outside office hours 0870 2402994

The CAF exists to help workers from across the full range of services within Hartlepool to support children and families. It can lead to a quick solution or help Identify extra longer term support if needed. A comprehensive CAF will ensure that everyone involved with a family work together and help them receive the right support at the right time, before their needs increase. The CAF is a standardized, holistic approach to conducting an assessment of a child's needs and strengths, taking account of the role parents, carers and environmental factors on their development and then deciding how those needs should be met. It is a shared document that prevents families from repeating the same story and puts their views at the heart of the assessment. The Common Assessment Framework is used by practitioners across Child and Adult services in England.

The Common Assessment Framework provides a basis for early identification and information sharing between organizations. In Hartlepool we are using CAF to reduce the number of assessment tools that are used within and across organizations, it also encourages organizations to take responsibility and work together, ensuring the welfare and development of children, young people and families are kept to the highest possible standards.

 When to undertake a CAF

Practitioners should undertake a common assessment when it will help the child to achieve one or more of the five Every Child Matters, priority outcomes.

 A CAF is designed for when:

• There are concerns about progress
• Needs are unclear
• The support of more than one agency is needed

 A CAF need not be done when:

• Progress is good
• Needs are identified and being meet
• Needs are clear and can be met by family / single agency

Once you have consent and BEFORE YOU COMPLETE A CAF, you should check the Hartlepool CAF REGISTER by calling 01429 523904 , to see if one already exists.

(The register includes information relating to a professional that completed the CAF, the service in which they are based and the child receiving the support).   

Once a CAF has been fully completed it may need a 'Team Around the Child' meeting, sometimes also referred to as a 'TAC'. The meeting will look at ways in which relevant agencies can support a family. A 'Team Around the Child' meeting is a way of making different professionals and services meet and work together with families in order to meet their needs in a planned and organized way.

If a number of people are providing support to a child or family, one of these people may be appointed as a 'Lead Practitioner'. The 'Lead Practitioner' helps to co-ordinates services supporting the family.

Contact details below