Common Assessment Framework

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key component in the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme. The aim of the 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.

Practitioners commencing a Common Assessment will need to register the form by contacting Lee Bentley or Wendy Spencer on 01305 228657.

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

CAF Training Dates

CAF training dates have been confirmed in each locality as follows:

Date	Location
5 October 2010	East Dorset
21 October 2010	West Dorset
12 November 2010	Purbeck
24 November 2010	North Dorset
2 December 2010	Christchurch
9 December 2010	Weymouth and Portland
20 January 2011	East Dorset

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 CAF nomination form 2010 [75kb] (opens in a new window) or contact Sally Keeping.

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.

CAF training dates have been confirmed in each locality as follows:

Date	Location	Time
23 September 2010	Christchurch	10.00 -12.00
7 October 2010	West Dorset	18.00 - 20.00
20 October 2010	Weymouth and Portland	14.00 - 16.00
10 November 2010	East Dorset	10.00 - 12.00
25 November 2010	North Dorset	18.00 - 20.00
8 December 2010	Purbeck	14.00 - 16.00

To attend any of these courses contact Sally Keeping.

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 following the notes below.

Project Officer - Workforce Development, Integrated Working
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
CAF Database Manager
Name: Lee Bentley
Email: lee.bentley@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 228657
Full details for Lee Bentley
CAF Database Support Officer
Name: Wendy Spencer
Email: w.spencer@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 228657
Full details for Wendy Spencer