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.

How to start a CAF?

To begin a CAF, please complete the online CAF Proposal form 
 

Once you have submitted your CAF proposal you will receive an email to confirm your form was successfully submitted. The CAF Proposal will be sent for checking and you will soon receive an email to confirm if you are able to go ahead with the CAF along with a CAF ID number.

If you have any problems completing the form or any questions regarding the process then please call: 0116 256 5262

The CAF eForm and supporting materials: