From July 2008 the Single Agency Referral Form (SARF) replaces the Common Referral Form.
The new two-page SARF referral form should be used to access a specific service when the needs of the child are clear and where a service does not require a full assessment. If the child/young person you are working with needs access to a number of services, a Common Assessment Framework (CAF) should be undertaken to provide more coordinated service provision.
Who should use the SARF?
This form is to be used by all the statutory agencies working with children & young people in Cambridgeshire in order to work towards improving referrals between these agencies.
Why was it introduced?
A key part of introducing the CAF is a more streamlined approach to referral documentation. Having consulted with representatives from Children’s Services, Schools, Health providers and the voluntary sector, the Office of Children and Young People’s management team has agreed the following two-tier approach to access support for additional needs:
- A SARF
- A CAF: 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 is used where:
- a child or young persons’ needs aren’t clear
- or the help of two or more services is needed
Remember, if there are child protection concerns, the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures should be followed immediately.
The SARF can be accessed from the right hand side. The form is saved as:
- a word document - so it can be easily completed electronically
- a PDF document - so it can be downloaded and completed manually
Guidance on how to complete the form can also be accessed from the right hand side.
For more information on the SARF and the CAF project as a whole, please contact Lynsey Collen, CAF Project Manager on 01223 699060.