The Common Assessment Framework (commonly abbreviated to CAF) is a tool to support Integrated Working. It is a process, supported by a common form, used to identify the strengths and needs of the child, and put in place a plan to address any unmet needs.

A CAF form is usually filled in by one of the professionals working with a child, who will then arrange a Team Around the Child Meeting to discuss the contents of the form with all the professionals working with the child, the child and their family. The process is entirely voluntary and the child and family are included at every stage of the process. A CAF cannot be completed without the consent of the child and/or family.

For more information please see the CAF Leaflet for Parents and the Common Assessment Framework Factsheet under "Resources" for more information.

A CAF should be undertaken when it will help a child achieve one of the five Every Child Matters Outcomes:

• Staying Safe
• Enjoying and Achieving
• Making a Positive Contribution
• Being Health
• Achieving Economic Wellbeing.

It is designed for when:

• There are concerns about the child's progress;
• The child's needs are unclear; and/or
• The support of more than one agency is needed

A CAF is not required when:

• The child is progressing well;
• There are clear identified needs that are being met already; or
• Needs are identified and can be met by the family or assessing agency.

Even when a CAF is not essential as a referral method it is often useful to include one as evidence of the child's needs.

Please click on the links below for downloadable documents which can be used when undertaking a CAF.

• Referral to Children's Social Care (MARAT)
• Pre-assessment Checklist
• Common Assessment Form
• Common Assessment Framework Leaflet for Parents
• Common Assessment Framework Leaflet for Young People
• Explaining CAF to Young People Factsheet
• Common Assessment Framework: Practitioners Guide
• Common Assessment Framework: Managers Guide
• Common Assessment Framework Factsheet
• The Common Assessment Framework and Schools Factsheet
• Common Assessment Framework Self-Assessment Checklist
• North West Regional Common Assessment Framework Cross Border Protocol

The Practitioners Guide and Managers Guide are also available to order free of charge from the publications section of the teachernet website.