Common assessment framework

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of delivering frontline services that are integrated and focused around the needs of children and young people. The CAF is a standardised approach to conducting an assessment of a child's additional needs and deciding how those needs should be met. It can be used and completed by practitioners from any agency who come in contact with children and young people.

About the Rochdale Common Assessment Framework

The RCAF will promote more effective, earlier identification of additional needs, particularly in universal services. It is intended to provide a simple process for a holistic assessment of a child's needs and strengths, taking account of the role of parents, carers and environmental factors on their development. The RCAF will also help to improve integrated working by promoting co-ordinated service provision.

Completing the Rochdale Common Assessment Framework

A standard RCAF form is now available to help practitioners record, and, where appropriate, share with others the findings from the assessment. The Rochdale Common Assessment must be completed with the parent/carer and consent to share the information must be obtained.

Note: From 1st January 2012 the Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting template and Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting report must be used by all practitioners. See 'Useful resources' below.

CAF briefing sessions

CAF briefing sessions are available on a regular basis. To book a place contact Hannah Prowse on tel. 01706 922417 or email hannah.prowse@rochdale.gov.uk. 

Useful resources

Further information on the Common Assessment Framework is available on the Every Child Matters website including fact sheets, supporting tools and manager and practitioner guides. Local training courses are run by the CAF Co-ordinator. For support and guidance in completing a RCAF  please contact the CAF Co-ordinator or a local ' CAF Lead'.

• CAF Pre-assessment Checklist (92kb pdf file)
• RCAF Form - December 2011 v6 (390kb word file)
• RCAF - What the elements mean (18.4kb pdf file)
• RCAF Evaluation and Closure Form (259kb word file)
• CAF leaflet for parents and carers (367kb pdf file)
• CAF top tips bookmark (100kb pdf file)
• CAF and Lead Professional Procedures for practitioners - March 2012 (703kb pdf file) 
• CAF Handbook for practitioners - February 2012 (291kb pdf file)
• Team Around the Child meeting template (104kb word file) 
• Team Around the Child meeting report (59kb word file) 
• How to password protect a document (362kb pdf)

RCAF examples

• RCAF example (69kb pdf)
• RCAF Case Study 1 (13kb pdf)
• RCAF Closure Form example (112kb pdf)
• RCAF example 1st minutes (27kb pdf)
• RCAF example 2nd minutes (19kb pdf)

Further information on the Common Assessment Framework is available on the Every Child Matters website including fact sheets, research reports and manager and practitioner guides. You can also contact the local CAF Coordinator.

• REAL Trust - Local training courses run by the REAL Trust.

  
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