Professionals

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) provides an easy to use assessment that is universal across services. It will help embed a shared language; support better understanding and communications amongst practitioners; reduce the number and duration of different assessments that historically some children and young people have undergone; facilitate early intervention and speed up service delivery.

Child and families wishes and needs are central to the CAF process. The CAF can be easily transferred between services and a new Lead Professional be identified for example, the transition from High School to Further Education or from Health Visitor to School Health Advisor.

The CAF can only be initiated with the consent from a parent and a child if they are aged 13 or above and deemed to be capable of giving their own consent.

These are just some of the most commonly cited benefits to professionals from those already using CAF:

It opens up communication channels with parents and improves joint working
It is an universal tool, easily transferred between services
Used in conjunction with the Continuum of Need the CAF can provide evidence of the need for further support
It is family led and empowers parents and carers, enabling them to meet their own families needs
It is an opportunity to share concerns and responsibilities
It is based on honesty and has a shared solution-led approach
Provides a format for regular review of progress

More information for Managers and Practitioner's can be viewed here, this includes guidance on how to complete a CAF.

Last Modified: 27/10/2010 16:21:19
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