Exploration of the costs and impact of the Common Assessment Framework

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a standardised approach for the assessment of children and their families, to facilitate the early identification of additional needs and to promote a coordinated service response. CAF is underpinned by an integrated approach to support and has been designed for use by all professionals working with children and families with additional needs, but who do not meet the threshold for more intensive interventions such as those associated with children’s social care or safeguarding. Existing research suggests that CAF can lead to positive outcomes for children and families and help to enhance integrated working across the children’s workforce (Gilligan and Manby, 2008; Norgate, Traill and Osbourne, 2009; Easton, Morris and Gee, 2010)