The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a new way of working with children and young people.

CAF is a common method of assessment for use across all children’s services and all local areas in England.

A CAF is used to assess what help a child or young person needs on top of the normal levels of support provided by their school and health authority.

The CAF consists of:

• A pre-assessment checklist
• A common process that allows people who work with children and young people to undertake a common assessment and act on the result
• A standard form

CAF is being introduced across all agencies who work with children, young people and families and will be implemented in Cambridgeshire by December 2008.

If you have any queries regarding the CAF, please contact Lynsey Collen on 01223 699060 or email lynsey.collen@cambridgeshire.gov.uk