Abstract

This section presents data relating to integrated working and joint service provision, and the common assessment framework.

The common assessment framework (CAF) is a key part of delivering frontline services that are integrated, and are focused around the needs of children and young people. The CAF is a standardised approach to conducting assessments of children's additional needs and deciding how these should be met.

The CAF promotes more effective, earlier identification of additional needs, particularly in universal services. It aims to provide a simple process for a holistic assessment of children's needs and strengths; taking account of the roles of parents, carers and environmental factors on their development. Practitioners are then better placed to agree with children and families about appropriate modes of support. The CAF also aims to improve integrated working by promoting coordinated service provisions, hence why in this report, data linked to joint service provision is reported alongside the CAF.

Amongst other things, the data presented looks at the number of Children's Trust CAF's initiated, completed and rolled out.

Relevant Policy Documents