The common assessment framework (CAF) is a standardised assessment designed to get a complete picture of a child's additional needs at an early stage. It can be used for children and young people of any age, including unborn babies. The CAF enables information to be gathered in a structured way, through discussions with the child and their parents. It looks at all unmet needs and is an approach that helps children access the right services earlier.
The CAF is a common process which enables practitioners to make an assessment and act on the result, using a standard form to record the assessment and where appropriate, share with others. It covers all aspects that affect a child's development - health, education and social development through to housing and family relationships
CAF is the only assessment that can be used by practitioners in all agencies in England that deliver services to children and young people.
Where identified needs can be easily met by one additional service, the referral for a single service form can be used; please see below.