Common Assessment Framework in Hammersmith & Fulham
Information for staff working with children and young people
The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of the government's "Every Child Matters: Agenda for Change" programme. It is linked to national moves towards more integrated working and better information sharing and assessment between the different agencies working with children and young people. The CAF should be implemented nationally by 2008. All practitioners who come into contact with children and young people in the course of their work will need to know what CAF is and how to ensure that relevant children or young people receive a CAF assessment.
The Common Assessment Framework includes:
- a simple pre-assessment checklist to help practitioners identify children and young people from pre-birth to 19 who have additional needs and who might benefit from a common assessment.
Pre-Assessment Checklist on Every Child Matters website - a process for undertaking a common assessment that is being developed to help practitioners gather and understand information about the needs and strengths of children and young people they are concerned about.
- a standard form to help practitioners record, share their findings appropriately and agree a response to unmet need.
CAF forms on Every Child Matters website
Other information can be downloaded from the Every Child Matters website.
How is CAF being implemented in Hammersmith & Fulham?
- A CAF pilot took place in the Wormholt and White City area between 2006 and 2007. Practitioners from education, health, social care and other children’s services, the voluntary sector, police and housing were briefed and trained. A number of common assessments were completed.
- CAF is now being rolled out focusing initially on the New Deal for Communities area in North Fulham and Learning Mentors, Connexions Personal Advisers and staff in Children’s Centres across the borough.
- Training for other practitioners across the borough will be made available later in 2007.
- A strong link has been made with Extended Services with CAF being the key means for schools to have “swift and easy” access to specialist services for children and young people.
- A number of services are being asked to replace their existing referral and assessment processes with CAF. Where practitioners have done a common assessment and need to refer to one of the agencies listed below, they should consult the relevant referral guide, make sure that the CAF assesment includes the required information and then make a referral using the CAF form.
Referral Guides
The following services are willing to accept a completed CAF assessment as a referral on any child or young person living in Hammersmith & Fulham. Please download the referral guide for the service you wish to refer to for further information.
Childcare Co-ordinator Referral Guide (pdf)
Children's Centre Family Support Team Referral Guide (pdf)
Connexions Referral Guide (pdf)
Contact and Assessment Referral Service Guide (pdf)
Druglink Referral Guide (pdf)
Education Welfare Advisory Service Referral Guide (pdf)
Family Friends CAF Referral Guide (pdf)
Family Welfare Association Referral Guide (pdf)
Housing Advice and Assessment Service Referral Guide (pdf)
Play Service Referral Guide (pdf)
Playing for Success Referral Guide (pdf)
Psychology in Education Referral Guide (pdf)
Refugee Support Refferal Guide (pdf)
Youth Service Referral Guide (pdf)
Teenage Pregnancy Service CAF Referral Guide (pdf)
Additional downloads
Hammersmith & Fulham CAF Form Front Sheet (pdf)
Hammersmith & Fulham information leaflet for parents and carers (pdf)
CAF Process POster for Professionals (pdf)
For more information about CAF in Hammersmith & Fulham email common.assessment@lbhf.gov.uk
