Common Assessment Framework (Managers)

This comprehensive e-learning course for managers comprises seven easy-to-follow units - an introduction and six study units. It covers the reasons behind the need for the Common Assessment Framework and the five key outcomes of the Every Child Matters policy. A separate CAF course is available for practitioners.

Unit Titles
> About the Course
> Introduction to the CAF
> Applying the CAF
> Sharing Information
> Integrated Working
> The Lead Professional
> Partner Organisations

Unit 2: sets the scene for the use of the CAF and covers the context for and rationale behind its introduction. The main principles and key aims are covered, providing the groundwork for the remainder of the course.

Unit 3: looks at good practice when undertaking an assessment within the Common Assessment Framework. Managers are given the opportunity to complete a ‘virtual check list’ with a child and their family. The issue of awareness of, and sensitivity towards children and their families' expectations is also addressed. After completing this unit, managers will understand that it is not always necessary to conduct an assessment every time they encounter a child or family with health and social care needs; indeed, it is important to be able to understand when an assessment is necessary and to follow good practice when conducting one.

Unit 4: explains that information sharing is a vital part of the overall Integrated Working strategy and the drive to meet the five key outcomes of Every Child Matters. After completing this unit managers will understand that effective information sharing ensures children and young people with additional needs are identified at an early stage. This unit goes onto explain the importance of everybody working with children and young people having a sound understanding of the basic principles of information sharing. The unit concludes by explaining why it is important to balance the need to share information with the right to privacy for children and families.

Unit 5: provides background information about Every Child Matters and the need for Integrated Working. This unit is relevant for anyone who works with children and young people. After completing this unit, managers will inderstand why Integrated Working is important and how it operates in the context of Every Child Matters.

Unit 6: is useful to anyone working with a lead professional or acting as the lead professional in a given case. This unit explains how a lead professional is selected, and describes the tasks that a lead professional is expected to carry out.

Unit 7: demonstrates the benefits of using the Common Assessment Framework to managers working in different health and social care settings. This unit concludes by explaining how professionals can be involved in capturing information that can help prevent additional needs from developing into more serious complex needs.

CPD Certificate: 5 hours

Learning Objectives: by the end of the course, managers will have learned about a wide range of issues, including:

> The basic principles of the CAF's standardised approach
> The six keys aims of the CAF
> Completing the pre-assessment process
> Identifying children with complex needs
> When (and when not) to do a CAF assessment
> The 3-step process as described by the Children's Workforce Development Council
> The Eight Stages as described in the CWDC practitioners’ handbook
> The importance of involving other agencies and sharing information
> The process for selecting and appointing a Lead Professional and the skills they need
> Working in a team with someone else as Lead Professional
> Who will be expected to complete the CAF forms and who will not
> How things might go wrong, and what to expect in terms of line management and support
> How the CAF will work alongside other established assessment frameworks
> How voluntary and statutory service providers engage with the CAF
> The roles of partner organisations.