Common Assessment Framework (CAF)

As a Partnership, we are fully committed to supporting Swale’s young people to ensure they reach their full potential. To this end, we have in recent months adopted the use of CAF (Common Assessment Framework) to identify youngsters at an early stage whose needs which are not currently being met, with the aim of providing a team of professionals who can work closely with both them and their family to ensure a better outcome.

What is a CAF?

The Common Assessment Framework is a national strategy which aims to identify where young people require some extra help to achieve their potential.
A CAF enables professionals to look at the child/family needs and strengths and from this to build a plan and a team around that child to ensure that their outcomes improve.
A CAF is not a referral process to another agency. Referrals to other agencies will continue in the same way as now.
 The CAF will also identify a Lead Professional who the family feel able to work with and who will co ordinate the planned work.

https://claro2.secure.kenttrustweb.org.uk/intranet/documents/1865/3405/CAF%20Form.doc

When should a CAF be used?

A CAF should be used when a child or young  person is beginning to show signs of difficulty that  require the coordinated support from  more than  a single  agency.  A CAF is not appropriate for a child who is currently under the care of Social Services, or where a statement of additional educational needs is in place because those children will already have a team of professionals form several agencies to support them. 
Where a child is in full time education it is envisaged that the school will have discussed the child fully at their school based review and implemented various strategies and made appropriate referrals prior to the consideration of a CAF.
A child who may face permanent exclusion should always have a CAF.
A CAF is not age restricted, any child or young person between the ages of 0 to 18 may receive a CAF.

Where does the CAF go after completion?

Upon completion, the CAF should be down loaded onto the Kent Secure website (details available from your administrator).
The CAF will be vetted by the CAF Coordinator and if it is considered to be appropriate then it will be heard at the next Multi Agency Single Point of Access meeting. As the initiator of the CAF you will be invited to this meeting, during which the case will be discussed and a team of professionals or Team around the Child (TAC) will be formed to support the family. A date will also be set for a review of the CAF.

Should the CAF be considered as inappropriate then advice will be provided by the CAF Coordinator as to the best course of action for the initiator.

What happens next?

A meeting will be held with the TAC, lead by the lead professional and involving the parents and child. Work will be planned and a date will be set for a review meeting. Please note the lead professional is the facilitator of the process and there to support the family, they are not there to ensure that the TAC professionals complete their tasks. 

Who is out there to help?

Caf coordinator:               Charlotte Cox on 07740185322 or charlotte.cox@kent.gov.uk