CAF Assessment Forms

CAF Assessment Form (I)

Having identified additional needs using the Pre-Assessment Checklist , you should register this with the CAF Database , also checking whether a CAF already exists for the child/young person. If it does not, the next step is to complete the CAF Assessment using the Common Assessment Form. This should be done only with the consent of the child/young person and their parents/carers.

It is essential that the family understand what information is recorded and what will happen to it. This information will be shared with agencies/services who attend the Children and Young People's Support Panels (if a multi –agency response is required) and it is important that everyone understands this. The information will be respected and only shared with the agencies/services who are providing help and support.

The CAF should be used to record discussions between the agency/service and the family and should include relevant knowledge and observations only when the parent, carer, child or young person is happy for this to be included. It should be a tw0-way process – for the child/young person/parents to say what they want or need and for the suggestion of appropriate solutions. The CAF should be written in an appropriate jargon-free style that everyone is comfortable with.

The person carrying out the assessment should work with the child or young person to gather accurate information about their strengths and needs. This information will be recorded on the CAF assessment form and helps the person carrying out the assessment to reach conclusions in partnership with the child/young person and their parent as to what needs to be done. Where a multi-agency response is required, it may be necessary to access the Children And Young People's Support Panels to facilitate decision-making with regards to meeting the additional needs identified.

The CAF Assessment Form can be downloaded from the Downloadable Forms section of this site

CAF Assessment Form (II)

When completing a CAF Assessment Form, it is important to base any recordings on evidence - what the parents/child said (mark clearly who said what), and what you saw. Bear in mind that others will see this information and ensure you have consent from the parents/child for the sharing of this information.

The main areas of assessment are divided into three broad domains:

  1. The development of the child
  2. Parents and carers
  3. Family and environmental

A Guide to definitions is available to download, providing a general description of signs to look for in relation to the elements described within each domain.

A more holistic view should be obtained by exploring the areas around the presenting issue(s), considering the whole child/young person and not solely your own service focus.

Identify solutions and actions, focusing on what the child/family can do for themselves, what other support is needed and where it will come from. Agree with the child/family who will do what and when, and agree a date to review progress. A Single Agency Review Form is available to download . The review enables you to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the actions undertaken.