Have you every found yourself in a situation where you are working with a child or young person and you are stuck? Maybe they are not making progress as expected or they need more support than your organisation can offer…

This is the time when the Common Assessment Framework or CAF can be used.

The CAF process will:

• Assess the needs of the child or young person,
• Bring other agencies in
• Create a co-ordinated action plan
• Make sure those agencies work together to help the child or young person.

Anybody who works or volunteers with children or young people can use the CAF. A CAF can be used when a child or young person has an additional unmet need. This might be in

• Health
• Housing
• Family support
• Learning needs
• Emotional or Behavioural Problems

A CAF should not be used if there is a child protection issue. Click here for more information about what to do if you have a child protection concern.

Case Study

Click here to read about how Gordon Jones, a volunteer support worker used the CAF to help a homeless teenager find independent accommodation. 

Click on the links below to find out more about:

What is the CAF?

When can a CAF be used?

The CAF Process?

Who can raise a CAF?

How do I Raise a CAF?

The CAF in Your Local Area

Frequently Asked Questions