Common Assessment Framework (CAF)
CAF is a key component in the Every Child Matters - Change for Children programme. The aim of this programme is to ensure every child receives the universal services to which they are entitled and any additional services they need at the earliest opportunity.
The new Dorset CAF forms are now available from this page. These have been prepared in readiness for the Dorset eCAF which will be available early in 2012.
Practitioners commencing a Common Assessment will need to register the form by contacting the Common Assessment Framework Administrator. Please note that this can only be undertaken from 9.00am until 3.00pm, Monday to Thursday. Outside of these times, please email us with your details and you will be contacted at the next opportunity.
CAF introduces a common form and conceptual framework to help practitioners gather and understand information about the needs and strengths of the child or young person through a 'whole child' approach.
There are six main aims for CAF:
Improve multi-agency working
Improve help for children and families at an earlier stage
Less bureaucratic access to services for families
Reduce separate, repeated or parallel assessments for families
Reduce inappropriate inter-agency referrals
Better quality referrals for specialist assessments
Please see the
Dorset CAF Guide (pdf, 1Mb) (opens in a new window) 
for further details. This document is best viewed by right clicking on the document, selecting Page Display Preferences and then Two-up Continuous.
CAF training dates
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 18 January 2012 | Weymouth and Portland - Weymouth College |
| 26 January 2012 | East Dorset - Community Learning and Resource Centre - Wareham |
| 10 February 2012 | West Dorset - Top O Town House, Dorchester |
| 20 February 2012 | North Dorset - Blandford Children's Centre |
| 7 March 2012 | Christchurch - Local Office Conference Room |
| 21 March 2012 | Purbeck Training Centre - Wareham |
This full day training course will cover the CAF process, information sharing, the role of the lead professional and the team around the child.
Each of these courses will commence at 9.30am and finish at 4.30pm. To attend any of these courses, complete a
Common Assessment Framework Training Nomination Form (word, 154kb) (opens in a new window) or contact the CAF Training Administrator.
CAF Awareness Training
This two hour course is designed for those who may be involved in the CAF process but are less likely to initiate a CAF for whom the full day course is more appropriate.
The course may also be suitable as refresher training for those who wish to update their understanding of current practices.
The course covers the CAF process, the required documentation, the role of the Lead Professional and the Team Around the Child.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 31 January 2012 | Sturminster Newton Youth Centre | 6.30 - 8.30 pm |
| 6 February 2012 | Purbeck Training Centre - Wareham | 10 - 12 noon |
| 28 February 2012 | East Dorset - Community Learning and Resource Centre, Wimborne | 5 -7 pm |
| 8 March 2012 | West Dorset - Sherborne Youth and Community Centre | 4 - 6 noon |
| 14 March 2012 | Weymouth and Portland - Outlooks Children's Centre, Portland | 2.30 - 4.30 pm |
| 23 March 2012 | West Dorset - Top O Town House, Dorchester | 10am-12 noon |
| 28 March 2012 | North Dorset - Blandford Children's Centre | 3.30 - 5.30 pm |
To attend any of these courses complete a
Common Assessment Framework Awareness Training Nomination Form (word, 152kb) (opens in a new window) or contact the CAF Training Administrator.
- Inter Agency Referrals
As part of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) process, you may need to refer the case to another agency. In such situations please complete an Inter-Agency referral.
-
Common Assessment Framework - information for parents and carers
CAF stands for Common Assessment Framework. The CAF is a way of working out what extra support your child may need and how best to provide this support. With your agreement, professionals who work with your child will have a conversation with you to discuss your child's needs and strengths. The CAF form will record what is going well for your family, what extra support may be needed for your child and which professionals are best placed to help.
- Common Assessment Framework - Information for Young People
CAF stands for Common Assessment Framework. The CAF is a way of working out what extra support you may need and how best to give you this support. You can have a conversation with a worker to discuss your worries and strengths. This worker will record information about you on a CAF form. The CAF form will record what is going well for you, what extra support you may need and will identify a team of professionals who are best placed to help.
-
Project Officer - Early Intervention, Workforce Development
Name: Martin Singer
Email: m.singer@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 224422
Mobile: 07785915369
Full details for Martin Singer -
CAF Training Administrator
Name: Sally Keeping
Email: s.keeping@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225098
Fax: 01305 224987
Full details for Sally Keeping -
Common Assessment Framework Administrator
Name: Roz Padgett
Email: caf@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 228657
Full details for Roz Padgett
