CAF form translations
Local authorities have send us CAF forms they have had translated so that others can use them.
Download the translations we haveCommon Assessment Framework (CAF)
The CAF is a key part of delivering front-line services that are integrated and focused around the needs of children and young people.
The aim is to identify, at the earliest opportunity, a child's or young person's additional needs which are not being met by the universal services they are receiving, and provide timely and co-ordinated support to meet those needs.
The CAF is a standardised approach to conducting an assessment of a child's additional needs and deciding how those needs should be met.
We have worked with the Department for Children, School and Families (DCSF) to produce tools, advice and guidance to promote the CAF. Responsibility for CAF policy and the e-enablement of CAF, "National e-CAF" still lies with DCSF.
CAF guidance refresh, summer 2009
We have consulted with practitioners to refresh the CAF and lead professional guidance to bring it into line with current policy and front-line practice.
The new guidance takes people through the CAF process and includes case studies to help build understanding.
The new guidance, plus fact sheets and training packages for integrated working can all be found on the CAF area of the Every Child Matters website.
Go to the Every Child Matters website : CAF home page
New CAF form available
In conjunction with DCSF, we have updated the CAF form to align it more closely with National eCAF. The CAF form now includes additional fields that we recommend are filled out to improve consistency, and a new statement about information storage.
CAF form Feb 2010 [515 KB]
Integrated working updates
Our monthly integrated working update is packed full of useful information to help you implement integrated working, including the latest policy and guidance, top tips and real life examples. Sign up now or read the CAF update in our archive section.
Page updated: 16 February 2010
CAF for young people
Download our poster and leaflet to help explain the CAF process to young peopleDownload Adobe PDF Reader
Recent news
- Your chance to make a difference for children, young people and families 04 August
- We want everyone in the children and young people's workforce to help review the common core.
- CWDC launches updated CAF and lead professional guidance 27 July
- CWDC has refreshed the guidance for Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and the Lead Professional (LP) to help managers and practitioners with local implementation.
- Poster perfect 24 July
- Young people have helped us develop new resources to explain to children and young people how integrated working benefits them.
- Do you work with a group of children or young people? We need your help! 30 January
- We are inviting groups that work with children and young people to help us shape our work - including an online game on DirectgovKids, disability focus groups and how to explain the common assessment framework to children.
- Get involved in the CAF and LP guidance review 23 December
- Find out how you can help us refresh the CAF and lead professional guidance in 2009.
- More...