Common Assessment Framework(CAF)              

CAF is an early intervention tool which, with the consent of the young person and/or parents, aims to address unmet needs through multi-agency meetings. These take place at various Integrated Service Hubs across the city, which are usually based within either a children's centre or secondary school.

The CAF Information Team, based at Leicester City Council, coordinates these assessments and should a practitioner wish to undertake a CAF for a child then they should contact the team first to ensure the child is eligible.

What is a CAF?

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of delivering frontline services. It is a standardised generic assessment which provides an initial assessment of a child/young person’s need for extra services. It aims to provide an early and holistic identification of needs, leading to a co-ordinated provision of services. It can be used by practitioners across all children's services in England.

When is a CAF completed?

• The practitioner believes that a young person will not progress towards the five Every Child Matters priority outcomes without additional services.

• The young person or parent themselves have raised a concern about the health, welfare, behaviour, progress in learning or any other aspect of well-being of the young person.

• The needs are unclear, or broader than the service (of the practitioner completing the assessment) can address.

• Where a young person or public safety is not an issue, but there are other concerns.

When is a CAF NOT completed?

• The protection of a young person is an issue. Follow LCC Child Protection procedures

• Where a young person is on a statutory youth offending order

• Where a child with complex disabilities may require statutory support, a Core Assessment will be led by Social Care’s Children With Disabilities Team.

• The child/young person is being fostered or in the care of the authority, this means the Looked After Children's Team are working with the child/young person and they will have a comprehensive package in place.

The CAF eForm and supporting materials: