Safeguarding Children: Common Assessment Framework

What is the CAF?

A framework to help those working with children, young people and families to assess children and young people’s additional needs for earlier, and more effective services, and develop a common understanding of those needs and how to work together to meet them.

The CWDC has produced a guide explaining about the CAF for children and young people, and when to use it.  It is for anyone who works with children, young people and families, whether they are employed or volunteers, and working in the public, private or third sector.

This may be relevant to you running a club or leisure activity class because some of your children and young people may have a CAF.  You may be asked to work with other professionals in supporting the child or young person to thrive.

The CAF is generally used with children and young people up to the age of 18, but its use can be extended beyond 18 where appropriate to help the young person to have a smooth transition to adult services. In the case of the Connexions service, the CAF can be used with young people up to the age of 19, and up to the age of 24 where a young person has a learning difficulty or disability.

These extracts have been reproduced from The Common Assessment Framework for children and young people, a guide for practitioners by the CWDC with permission for non-commercial education or training purposes.

http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/integrated-working/integrated-working-guidance