Common assessment framework in Hammersmith & Fulham

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. 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.

What to do if you want to carry out a CAF?

• Any practitioner who is considering carrying out a common assessment should contact the family support localities service (FSLS) on 020 8753 6446.
• The FSLS worker will check the central CAF database and advise if another practitioners has already started an assessment on the same child.
• Once a CAF has been completed and consent has been obtained to share it, the practitioner who carried out the CAF should send a copy to the FSLS by one of the methods below:
  Secure email: localitiesservice@lbhf.gov.uk.cjsm.net 
  Recorded delivery: Family support localities service, Children's Services Department, first floor, Cambridge House, Cambridge Grove, London, W6 0LE.
  Fax: 020 8753 3708 (please ring the FSLS on 020 8753 6446 before you send the fax)
• A member of the relevant team will check the content of the CAF assessment and contact the practitioner concerned if further advice needs to be provided.
• Please note that the practitioner who did the CAF is responsible for the CAF action plan, usually through working with other practitioners.
• Practitioners who require advice or support once a CAF has been completed should contact FSLS.
• The FSLS should be notified of any change of Lead Professional and when cases close. FSLS should also be sent copies of completed CAF review forms.

CAF forms

A simple pre-assessment checklist (opens in a new window)
This will help practitioners identify children and young people from pre-birth to 19 who have additional needs and who might benefit from a common assessment.

A flowchart (opens in a new window) 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 CAF form (opens in new window) to help practitioners record, share their findings appropriately and agree a response to unmet need.

A CAF consent form (opens in new window) This must be completed with the parent / carer.

For further information, please visit the Every Child Matters website, alternatively, please view the documents below.

Hammersmith and Fulham information leaflet for parents and carers (opens in new window)

CAF review form (opens in new window)

A guide to definitions used in the common assessment framework

Useful contacts:
For more information about CAF in Hammersmith & Fulham email: localitiesservice@lbhf.gov.uk.cjsm.net or call the family support localities service  on 020 8753 6446.