What is the Common Assessment Framework?
The Common Assessment Framework brings a standard national approach to working with children and families. It supports earlier intervention, improves joint working and communication, supports the sharing of information and rationalises assessments.
What happened to the Signs of Wellbeing Form?
In Gateshead we have used the Signs of Wellbeing Form in the past and learned a lot from how this was used. We have changed the format of our form to be more in line with national CAF assessment forms but the basic principles about to work with families and the assessment of strengths as well as needs as part of solution focused practice remain.
What are the principles?
- It is a process supported by a standard form
- It is a holistic assessment which focuses on strengths and needs
- It is simple and practical
- It is empowering for children, young people and families as they are partners in the process
- It cannot guarantee service provision from other agencies but provides methods of sharing information and evidencing need.
What are the benefits?
- It prevents children, young people and families having to retell their story
- It promotes common practice across services
- It identifies gaps in provision
- It is an early intervention tool
- It reassures the practitioner that they have considered the whole picture
- It is recognised across all agencies
What should the process be?
Following assessment, where it is clear that a multi agency response it needed, the practitioners who are involved agree to work together, identify a
lead practitioner, and agree a holistic
support plan. Practitioners also agree when to review the support plan with the family. This process is governed by the
Gateshead Protocol on the Common Assessment Framework, Team Around the Family and role of the Lead Practitioner
