Common Assessment Framework (CAF) FAQs
- Do I need to contact anyone before commencing a CAF?
- Who completes a CAF?
- What do I do with the CAF assessment once completed?
- Who undertakes the actions identified on the child's CAF action plan?
- Does the CAF assessor become the Lead Professional?
- What does the Lead Professional do?
- What can I do if I have any further questions?
- Are there timescales for completing the CAF?
- What do I do if an agency refuses my referral?
- What do I do if a family refuses my offer of a CAF assessment?
- How do I close a CAF?
Do I need to contact anyone before commencing a CAF?
Yes. We ask that before starting a CAF assessment you contact the CAF Co-ordinator. The CAF Co-ordinator will be able to inform you whether the child is open to a higher level service or whether the child has an open CAF plan. In either of these instances, it may not be necessary to complete another assessment form.
Who completes a CAF?
Any professional supporting a child or young person could potentially complete a CAF. In most cases, it is the professional that identifies a child’s additional needs that will commence this process. The CAF should be completed alongside the child, young person and their family as appropriate. It is also useful to communicate with any agencies already offering services to the child to ensure that the assessment is as holistic and useful as possible.
What do I do with the CAF assessment once completed?
Once the CAF has been finished and signed by the assessor and the child / parent, a copy of this should be given to the family. A copy of the assessment should also be kept by the assessing agency, with a copy sent to the CAF Co-ordinator. It is the responsibility of the assessor to forward additional copies of the CAF with consent to any other agency that they feel can assist the child’s identified needs. On occasion, further documentation may be required to support the CAF. See the Making a Referral Following a CAF document for further guidance. The CAF Co-ordinator will ensure that the assessment copy they receive is stored centrally. For further information regarding process, please see CAF Process Map.
Who undertakes the actions identified on the child’s CAF action plan?
The assessor and family (as appropriate) are initially responsible for ensuring that the actions determined on a child’s CAF plan are taken forward. They are not responsible for the services offered by other agencies but the assessor, who in the first instance takes on the role of Lead Professional, should ensure that referrals are made as appropriate.
Does the CAF assessor become the Lead Professional?
In order that the CAF assessment can be taken forward, the assessor initially becomes the responsible practitioner, otherwise referred to as ‘lead professional’. The CAF assessor can remain the lead professional throughout the facilitation of the child’s action plan, though this can change as new professionals engage with the child and their family. It is important to ensure that all children subject to a CAF action plan have a lead professional. It is also imperative that the lead professional is aware and confident with the tasks and responsibilities within this role.
What does the Lead Professional do?
The lead professional is responsible for maintaining an overview of the actions being undertaken to meet a child’s additional needs. All professionals supporting the child should report into the lead professional as appropriate and keep them updated on progress. The lead professional will need to review the child’s action plan within a timescale deemed as suitable for the particular needs identified. It may be useful to review actions in a meeting forum. If this is the case, the lead professional would take a lead in calling the family and professionals together.
What can I do if I have any further questions?
If after exploring the CAF tools available, you have further queries relating to the CAF, your local CAF Co-ordinator should be contacted.
Are there timescales for completing the CAF?
There are no set timescales for completing a CAF assessment. Timings regarding this assessment are at the discretion of the assessor. Please remember, however, that a significant delay in intervention could lead to further difficulty for the child and their family.
What do I do if an agency refuses my referral?
See the document Making a Referral Following a CAF. This details agencies currently accepting the CAF as an evidenced referral into their services.
If an agency who is now accepting the CAF as an evidenced referral refuses to accept this assessment, you should in the first instance go back to the service to discuss reasons for this. If satisfied with the explanation given, the CAF action plan can be re-explored and amended, and other options taken.
If as an assessor you feel strongly that a service should offer support but is declining the referral made, speak with your manager and obtain the support to take further. In addition, please feedback to the CAF Co-ordinator any service gaps you identify. This information can then be taken forward strategically to explore how best to address this.
What can I do if a family refuses my offer of a CAF assessment?
A CAF assessment must always be consensual. Without consent a CAF should not be undertaken. If a child is or becomes at significant risk of harm, the child protection protocols should be followed. In situations where a child is not at any risk of harm but still in need of additional support, other options can be explored, including direct referrals to services and additional support within your setting.
How do I close a CAF?
Once you are satisfied that the assessed child’s additional needs have been met or are appropriately served (for ongoing work), you should close the CAF episode. To do this, notify the CAF Co-ordinator who will close the child’s CAF on the central system. Should the child’s CAF assessment need opening again, this can be easily done by consulting with the CAF Co-ordinator.
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