CAF Form
Common Assessment Framework for Children and Young People (CAF)
PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL SECTIONS ARE COMPLETED
Assessment Start Date
14/03/2014
Have you made a CAF enquiry? Yes
No
Contact a CAF Coordinator on 0161 603 4239
Details of person(s) undertaking assessment
If the CAF is co-authored please add both names in the boxes below and their places of work
Author
Role
Organisation
Address
Sam Stone
Health Visitor
Eccles Health Visiting Team
Eccles Health Centre
Eccles Road, Eccles.
Postcode
M30 9TR
Telephone
E-mail
725 9876
sam.stone@srft.nhs.co.uk
CAF co-author (optional)
See http://www.salford.gov.uk/d/CAF_Co-author_definition.pdf
Co-Author
Role
Alison Wallace
Children's Centre Worker
Organisation
Eccles Children's Centre
Telephone
E-mail
777 3524
alison.wallace@salford.gov.uk
Lead Professional (if not CAF author)
See http://www.salford.gov.uk/caf-lead-professional.htm for info
Identifying details
Record details of unborn baby, infant, child or young person being assessed. If unborn, state name as ‘unborn baby’
and mother’s name e.g. unborn baby of Ann Smith.
Given name(s)
Male
Address
Emma
Female
Family name
Unknown
1 Case Study Drive
Eccles
Salford
Smith
AKA /previous names
Date of birth or EDD
12/05/2011
Child’s 1st language
English
Postcode
M30 1CS
Parent’s 1st language
English
Contact No
07890123456
Immigration Status
British
E-mail Address
Interpreter required?
Ethnicity
White
Black or Black British
Asian or Asian British
White British
Caribbean
Indian
White Irish
African
Pakistani
Traveller of Irish
Heritage
Any other Black
background
Any other Asian
background
Gypsy / Roma
Mixed/Dual Background
White & Black
Caribbean
White & Black
African
Chinese & Other
Bangladeshi
White & Asian
Not given
Any other mixed
background
Any other White
background
Chinese
Any other
ethnic group
If other, please specify
Religion
Christian
Jewish
Hindu
Muslim
Buddhist
No religion
Not given
If other, please specify;
Sikh
Does the child or young person have a disability
or any Special Educational Needs?
Yes
No
If ‘yes’ give details
What has led to this unborn baby, infant, child or young person being assessed?
Emma is beginning to display difficult behaviour at home. Mum attended the Children's Centre on 4.10.12 and broke
down to staff members explaning that she cant cope anymore.
Details of parents/carers
Name
Anne Smith
D.O.B.
Relationship to unborn baby, infant, child or young person
Postcode
Parental responsibility?
Yes
David Smith
Contact tel. no.
D.O.B.
Relationship to unborn baby, infant, child or young person
Address
Postcode
No
M30 1CS
Email: not given
Name
Mum
1 Case Study Drive
Eccles
Salford
Address
24.07.1982
07890123456
12/01/1977
Father
1 Case Study Drive
Eccles
Salford
Parental responsibility?
Yes
No
M30 1CS
Email: not given
Contact tel. no.
07956987654
Current family and home situation
(e.g. family structure including names and D.O.B. of siblings, other significant adults etc; who lives with the child and
who does not live with the child). You may also wish to consider completing a genogram / family tree / risk and
protective factors as part of your assessment. Please see link for further information;
http://www.salford.gov.uk/supportingtools.htm
Emma lives with her mum (Anne) and her dad (David). She has two older brothers Bobby (aged 8) and Joe (aged 6)
Emma also has a half brother, Robert (aged 12) who does not live with the family, however does visit every other
weekend. Joe has Downs syndrome which was diagnosed at birth
Universal
Services working with this infant, child or young person
GP
Details
Dr Jones
Eccles Med Centre
Eccles
Tel.
777 0652
Early
years/education/FE
training provision
Details
Eccles Community Primary
School
Eccles Road
Eccles
Tel.
777 0219
Alison Wallace
Eccles Children's Centre
Eccles Road
Eccles
Tel.
777 3524
Other services
Service
Children's Centre
Details
Service
Details
Tel.
Service
Details
Tel.
Service
Details
Tel.
People present during the assessment
Sam Stone (Health Visitor)
Alison Wallace
Anne Smith
Emma Smith
CAF assessment summary: strengths and needs
Consider each of the elements. Wherever possible, base comments on evidence, not just opinion, and indicate what
your evidence is. However, if there are any major differences of view, these should be recorded too. You may also wish
to consider completing a ‘Thought and Feelings’ questionnaire as part of your assessment.
See the CAF website for supporting tools; http://www.salford.gov.uk/supportingtools.htm / http://www.salford.gov.uk/achildsvoice.htm
The CAF author must complete the contents within each box. The baseline scores are only to be
completed by staff within the Early Intervention and Prevention Service.
1. Development of unborn baby, infant, child or young person;
Health
General health
Conditions and impairments; access to and use
of dentist, GP, optician; immunisations,
developmental checks, hospital admissions,
accidents, health advice and information
Baseline CAF Score
Emma has access to a GP and mum reports that she takes her as
and when necessary. Mum states that Emma visits the dentist
every 6 months.
Health Visitor records show that when Emma was 9 months old she
was taken to hospital by Ann when she fell and banged the back of
her head causing her to briefly lose consciousness. Emma was
discharged the same day with advice on concussion. The health
visiting team did follow this up with a home visit and advice was
given. Ann explained that Emma continued to lose consciousness
regularly when she hurt herself for a while afterwards due to her
holding her breath. Ann reports that this has now stopped and their
have been no recent recurrences in the last 12 months. Emma was
also admitted to hospital 18 months ago and was diagnosed with
swine flu.
Emma has had all her immunisations and development checks are
up to date.
Emma does suffer from bad eczema which is managed by a variety
of creams.
Physical development
Nourishment; activity; relaxation; vision and
hearing; fine motor skills (drawing etc.); gross
motor skills (mobility, playing games and sport
etc.)
Speech, language and communication
Preferred communication, language,
conversation, expression, questioning; games;
stories and songs; listening; responding;
understanding
Emotional and social development
Feeling special; early attachments;
risking/actual self-harm; phobias; psychological
difficulties; coping with stress; motivation,
positive attitudes; confidence; relationships with
peers; feeling isolated and solitary; fears; often
unhappy
Behavioural development
Lifestyle, self-control, reckless or impulsive
activity; behaviour with peers; substance
misuse; anti-social behaviour; sexual behaviour;
offending; violence and aggression; restless and
overactive; easily distracted, attention
span/concentration
Baseline CAF Score
When asked what her favourite foods were, Emma explained that
she liked tomatoes, broccoli and weetabix. Ann explained that out
of all her children Emma is the best eater and was keen to try
anything put in front of her.
Emma states that she loves drawing and colouring and was eager
to show me how she could draw a picture of a face.
Emma was also excited to tell me how she has just started going to
gymnastics 'in a morning'.
Ann has no concerns regarding any aspect of Emma’s physical
development.
Baseline CAF Score
During this assessment Emma has been very vocal and showed
very good levels of understanding. Emma has sang a number of
nursery rhymes and states she likes it when mummy sings songs
with her. However Emma did say 'mummy used to read me a story
at bedtime, but she doesn’t do that anymore'.
Emma was able to respond appropriately to a number of questions
and requests.
Baseline CAF Score
Emma has recently started at the local community primary school
nursery and appears to have settled well. Emma talked about her
new friends that she has made and said ' i like my new teacher'
Ann states that Emma is usually a happy child however has recently
started to suck her thumb and ask for her comfort blanket more
often.
Ann states that Emma has become very 'clingy' and won’t even let
her leave the room when at home.
Baseline CAF Score
Ann has described Emma's behaviour as becoming quite 'erratic'.
Ann states that she used to be so calm and placid but over the
last 6 months has begun to 'throw tantrums' and scream a lot in
frustration. Emma has started to 'hit out' at her brothers and is
inceasingly becoming more violent towards them. Ann states that
she tries to ignore the screaming but doesn’t know how to deal
with the hitting out. Whilst playing on the floor with Emma with the
dolls and puppets Emma stated that she doesn’t like it when Joe
(her brother) hits her.
The nursery teacher explained that there are no behaviour issues
at school and that Emma follows the nursery rules well and is very
caring towards her friends.
Identity, self-esteem, self-image
and social presentation
Perceptions of self; knowledge of
personal/family history; sense of belonging;
experiences of discrimination due to race,
religion, age, gender, sexuality and disability
Family and social relationships
Building stable relationships with family, peers
and wider community; helping others;
friendships; levels of association for negative
relationships
Self-care skills and independence
Becoming independent; boundaries, rules,
asking for help, decision-making; changes to
body; washing, dressing, feeding; positive
separation from family
Baseline CAF Score
Emma has good knowledge of who her family members are and
talks fondly of her immediate family and smiles when they are talked
about. She understands that she has two brothers, however Emma
does have no understanding of Joes disabilities. Ann is unsure of
how to approach this with her due to her young age.
Emma has an older half brother from David’s previous relationship.
He visits the family home every other weekend. Ann explained that
Emma just seems to accept this; however she is unsure of her
understanding of this situation.
Baseline CAF Score
Emma shows affection for her parents and was witnessed giving
Ann kisses and cuddles throughout the visit. The school nursery
explained that Emma has built up some good relationships in school
and has made one particular friend who she plays with a lot. Emma
is caring towards her friends and is sensitive towards their needs.
During the session Emma was telling me about her new friend and
how she likes to play with her. They 'play dolls together and on the
bikes'. Emma smiled when talking about her friend.
Baseline CAF Score
Emma is an independent little girl according to Mum. She is able to
put on her own shoes and socks and is capable of brushing her
teeth. She can eat competently using a spoon and fork. Emma is
fully toilet trained and is showing signs of being dry throughout the
night.
Emma is competent at chosing what activities she would like to do
at home and will ask for support when needed, although Emma was
witnessed to get frustrated with the jigsaw box when she couldn't
open it.
Learning
Understanding, reasoning and
problem solving
Organising, making connections; being creative,
exploring, experimenting; imaginative play and
interaction
Participation in learning, education
and employment
Access and engagement; attendance,
participation; adult support; access to
appropriate resources
Progress and achievement in learning
Progress in basic and key skills; available
opportunities; support with disruption to
education; level of adult interest
Baseline CAF Score
Emma is a bright little girl who has settled well into nursery life. She
is working to the EYFS development matters and has currently been
assessed to be working at one band above her expected stage of
development. Emma has made a good friend in school and has
good relationships with staff members. She enjoys playing in the
role play area and shows affection towards the dolls. She interacts
well with her peers and tends to be the leader of the group.
Emma was observed during a session playing with the dolls
shouting at them and saying 'No Joe, that’s naughty'.
Baseline CAF Score
Emma has very good attendance and has only had one authorised
absence. However there are concerns being raised with
punctuality. Emma has been late everyday this week.
Emma is able to access all areas of the provision independantly.
Emma is keen to participate in all aspects of nursery life.
Baseline CAF Score
Emma is developing well within the group and is developing new
skills on a daily basis. She is beginning to form letters and can
count up to 5 objects.
Ann appears to be very supportive of Emma's learning and is keen
to understand what she is doing in school.
Aspirations
Ambition; confidence and view of progress;
motivation, perseverance; future goals.
Baseline CAF Score
Ann states that she would like all her children to be happy. When
asked what she would like to be when she grows up Emma replied,
'a nurse who helps people'.
School describe Emma as being a confident little girl who is keen to
learn. She is strong willed and does not give up at something once
she has started it.
2. Parents and carers
Basic care, ensuring safety
and protection
Provision of food, drink, warmth, shelter,
appropriate clothing; personal, dental hygiene;
engagement with services; safe and healthy
environment
Emotional warmth and stability
Stable, affectionate, stimulating family
environment; praise and encouragement;
secure attachments; frequency of house,
school, employment moves
Guidance, boundaries
and stimulation
Encouraging self-control; modelling positive
behaviour; effective and appropriate discipline;
avoiding over-protection; support for positive
activities
Baseline CAF Score
The family live in a 3 bedroomed property in Eccles. They own their
own home. The house is warm and clean and Ann and David
provide all the basic provisions for their children. Emma has access
to the dentist and told me during the visit that she 'likes the dentist'.
Ann states that she tries to cook healthy foods for them, however
finds it difficult as they all like different things. Recently Ann has
admitted that she cant be bothered cooking and has resorted to
'quick cook' meals.
The family live in a safe environment. The family engage well with
necessary services although Ann has admitted that she is just
starting to struggle keeping up with Joe's appointments.
Emma was appropriately dressed when seen and reports from the
children's centre and school all state that they have no concerns for
the hygiene or appearance of the children
Baseline CAF Score
The family have lived in the same property for the last 11 years and
have no plans to move in the future. All the children attend the local
primary school.
Ann states that she praises the children for the good things that they
do and is very encouraging of their school work and extra curricular
activities. All the children access out of school sports clubs.
There are a wide range of age appropriate toys and resources for the
children, however Ann doesn’t feel that her or David spend much
'quality' time with them. She feels that her time is just spent doing
the 'same old day to day parenting stuff'.
Ann states that she and David love the children very much.
Baseline CAF Score
Ann states that she does try to promote positive behaviour and
ignore unwanted behaviours. However she is finding this very
difficult at the moment. She states her and David have very different
parenting techniques and she feels that David shouts unnecessarily.
Ann states that her and David are now arguing over how they deal
with the children's behaviour. She does not feel that they are
consistent with rewards or consequences, however did state that
sometimes its just easier to give in.
The children are supported to access extra curricular activities and
sports clubs and mum explained that the children respond well to
these
3. Family and environmental
Family history, functioning and wellbeing
Illness, bereavement, culture, size and
composition of household; absent parents,
relationship breakdown
Baseline CAF Score
Ann and David met 12 years ago and have been together ever since.
They have lived in the same property for the last 11 years.
The family have support from both their parents although David’s
parents are elderly and not in good health and Ann’s parents both
work full time.
Ann describes her relationship with her parents as being strained and
finds it difficult to talk to them about the problems they are having.
Ann describes herself as low in mood and is struggling to get
motivated. Ann describes herself as having no emotion at the
moment and is struggling to laugh or cry. Ann states that she can’t
cope being at home with the children and would much rather be in
work. Ann explained that the children’s behaviour in the mornings is
causing them to be late for school.
Ann feels that she and David are just screaming and yelling all the
time.
Ann and David’s 2nd child Joe was born with Downs Syndrome. Ann
describes this as being the hardest thing she has ever had to deal
with and can’t cope with the feeling of guilt that she has.
Ann explained that she is struggling to keep up with the increasing
amount of appointments that Joe has.
Emma was not planned although Ann states that she loves Emma
just as much as the boys and is pleased she had a third child. David
has an older child from a previous relationship and Ann explained
that she sometimes feels resentful of him as she feels that the
arguments are worse when he is around, however the children do
seem to love him.
Ann states that her relationship with David is not very good at the
moment. He has started working longer hours and is leaving Ann to
take responsibility for all the caring needs of the children. She
explained that he stays up all night on the computer and she feels
that he doesn’t want to be with her.
Wider family
Formal and informal support networks from
extended family and others; wider caring and
employment roles and responsibilities
Housing
Water/heating/sanitation facilities, sleeping
Arrangements; reason for homelessness.
Employment and
financial considerations
Work and shifts; employment; income/benefits;
debt accrued, effects of hardship
Social and community elements
and resources, including education
Day care; places of worship; transport; shops;
leisure facilities; crime, unemployment, antisocial behaviour in area; peer groups, social
networks and relationships; religion
Baseline CAF Score
Ann and Davids parents help out with childcare arrangements as and
when they can do, however all of them find having the three children
together at once a challenge.
Anns grandma has recently been diagnosed with cancer so Anns
mum has become a carer for her.
Ann is not currently in employment but would now like to return to
work part time now the children are all in school. David works 36
hours.
Ann is classed as a carer for Joe due to his disabilities.
Baseline CAF Score
There are no concerns with housing arrangements. The house is
warm, clean, tidy and has all the basic facilities.
Emma has her own room and Bobby and Joe share a room. Ann
states that this can be difficult due to Joes erratic sleep patterns as
he sometimes tries to wake Bobby up.
Baseline CAF Score
David works fulltime and Ann gave up work once she had Emma.
She had previously been in fulltime employment. Ann stated that she
would now like to return to work.
The family believe that they are in receipt of all the benefits which
they are entitled to. They claim Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit and
Disability Living Allowance.
Baseline CAF Score
All the children are accessing educational provision.
Ann is able to access the local community and does so as and when
necessary.
The family live in walking distance of a park and a leisure centre.
There is a very low level of crime in the area and Ann explained that
she rarely sees any trouble
Stress factors within Families
Please tick the appropriate boxes if you, or any other parent/carer of your child, are experiencing any of the issues below
Your worker can help make sure that you get the support that you need.
Current Issue?
Yes
Does this impact on
your child?
No
Yes
No
**Would you like some
support?
Yes
No
Drug use
Alcohol use
Mental health issues
Domestic abuse
Criminal conviction
Learning difficulty
Physical disability
Terminal illness
Debt issues
Poor/overcrowded
housing
**If either parent/carer has indicated they would like support then the worker should make the appropriate referral
If further information is needed then please see http://www.salford.gov.uk/contact-socialservices.htm
Please provide details of any stress factors identified;
evidence of mum suffering from depression and is low in mood and is concerned about the impact this is having
on the children.
Children’s Centres
Is the child registered with a Children’s Centre?
Yes
No
For more information about Sure Start Children’s Centres and registering see: http://www.salford.gov.uk/surestart.htm
Young Carers
Is there a possible caring role for the child or young person?
Yes
No
“A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who carries out significant caring tasks and assumes a
level of responsibility for another person which would normally be taken by an adult.” (Princess Royal Trust for Carers)
For more information email: carers.centre@salford.gov.uk
Private Fostering
Is the child living in a private fostering arrangement or likely to live in one in the future?
Yes
No
“Private fostering happens when a child (up to 16, 18 with a disability) is being looked after by someone other than
parents, siblings, blood-related aunt/uncle, or grandparents for the majority of a 28 day period or more. By law, anyone
involved in private fostering must inform the Private Fostering Officer in Salford City Council so they can get the support
they are entitled to. This includes the child’s parents, carers or any third party/practitioner.”
If yes or in doubt, contact the private fostering officer on 779 7800 or email: privatefosteringoffice@salford.gov.uk
What are your conclusions?
Strengths and resources:
The children have a very good relationship with their mum and this was apparent during the visit. Emma is a very
confident little girl who is developing at a very good pace. There are very positive comments from all agencies
currently working with the family and Ann engages well with those services. Ann wants things to change and is
willing to engage with services which can support this change.
Needs and worries:
Ann is struggling to cope with day to day life and this is now having an effect of the well being of the children.
Emma's behaviour has changed and is becoming increasingly violent towards her brothers. Ann is starting to miss
medical appointments for the children which she states she forgot about. Although the children's attendance at
school is good, they are often late. There is a risk of relationship breakdown if these issues are not adressed.
There appears to be very inconsistent messages in regards to parenting techniques with both Ann and David.
Actions
Agreed Actions (in order of priority list the actions agreed for the people present at the assessment)
Desired Outcomes
Action
Who will do this?
By when?
As agreed with the child / young person / family
For Ann and David to be
able to have effective
strategies in place for
dealing with inappropriate
behaviour
Referral to IY parenting
course
For Ann to have some
practical support with
regards to routines,
especially the morning
routine to ensure that the
children are in school on
time
Referral for family support
Alison Wallace
15/10/2014
For Ann to feel motivated
and better in mood and
have a more positive
outlook on life
Access GP to discuss
current low mood and look
at ways of addressing
these issues
Ann Smith
Supported by Sam
Stone
ASAP - Ring to get
next emergency
appointment
For Ann to be able to
access employment
Referral to skills and work
advisor in the locality team
to support with accessing
employment
Ann Wallace
15/10/2014
To have an holistic
assessment of both of the
boys and ensure that their
individual needs are being
met and that the 5
outcomes are being
achieved
Complete CAF's on both
Bobby and Joe
Jane Jones (School
SENCO)
In time for the TAC
meeting to ensure
that all information is
presented at the
meeting
For all services working
with Bobby, Joe and
Emma to be working
together in an holistic way
to support their needs and
the needs of the family in
general
Initiate the TAC process,
invite all professionals to
the meeting
Sam Stone
20/11/2014
Agreed review date
Attend full 10 sessions of
IY parenting course
20/11/2014 (Initial TAC)
Alison Wallace
15/10/2014
Ann and David
Smith
A CAF needs to be reviewed every 412 weeks at level 2a/2b (TAC) on the
CAF review and closure form.
Parent or Carer’s comments on the assessment and actions identified;
Ann is grateful for the support and really does want things to change, Ann wants to feel happy and confident in
her parenting ability.
David is aware of these actions and was unaware of how things were deteriorating at home. However he does not
feel that the parenting course will help as it’s the children that are the problem. David has agreed to at least try
the course.
Child or young person’s comments/wishes and feelings on the assessment and actions identified;
During a play session with Emma she stated that she wants Joe to stop smacking her. Joe is Emma's older
brother (aged 6) She also stated that 'daddy shouts a lot'.
Full name of
child/young person
Date of birth
Emma Smith
12/05/2011
Consent for information storage and information sharing
Information sharing guidance can be found at; http://www.salford.gov.uk/supportingtools.htm
We need to collect the information in this CAF form so that we can understand what help you may need.
I understand the information that is recorded on this form and that it will be stored, read for quality
assurance and used for the purpose of providing services to:
Me
This infant, child or young person for whom I am a parent or carer
I have had the reasons for information sharing and information storage explained to me and I
understand those reasons
Yes
No
I agree to the sharing of information except to the services listed below
Signed
Ann Smith - Paper copy
Name Ann Smith
Date 10/10/2014
Name Sam Stones
Date 10/10/2014
scanned and saved
Assessor’s signature
Signed
Sam Stone
Alison Wallace
Alison Wallace
Send all CAFs to Children’s Services via the secure upload: http://www.salford.gov.uk/secureupload.htm
You should send a ‘Referral Form to Children’s Services’ if you are requesting any service from the Early Intervention
and Prevention Service.
Remember to send a copy of the CAF to the parent and to any other professionals that are working with the family.
Exceptional circumstances: concerns about significant harm to infant, child or young person
If at any time during the course of this assessment you are concerned that an infant, child or young person has been
harmed or abused or is at risk of being harmed or abused, you must follow your Local Safeguarding Children Board
(LSCB) safeguarding children procedures
If you think the child may be a child in need (under section 17 of the Children Act 1989) then you should also consider
referring the child to children's social care.