Electronic Common Assessment Framework (eCAF)

What is eCAF?

eCAF is the e-enablement of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF). It will allow a practitioner to electronically create, store and share a CAF Form securely.

Children often receive services from multiple agencies working across both geographical and organisational borders. This is particularly true where there are a closely located local authorities and health agencies as in the Tees Valley.

After detailed studies, the Department for Education decided an electronic CAF system would provide the greatest benefits and allow practitioners to securely share information, providing the appropriate consent has been obtained.

Who will have access to the eCAF system?

Access to the eCAF system will only be granted to authorised users who have undergone appropriate checks, including those provided by the Criminal Records Bureau. Practitioners will only be given access to the common assessment information of children they are working with, and only with the informed, explicit consent of the child or young person (or their parent/ carer where appropriate).

What security measures will be put in place?

Security measures are fundamental component of the eCAF system design; access will only be granted to authorised users who have undergone appropriate checks. Access will also be controlled by two forms of authentication: a password and a onetime code generated by a security token.

Implementation date

The eCAF system will be deployed in a phased approach and the Department for Education is currently working with a group of Early Adopters to shape the overall implementation approach. It is planned that eCAF will be available in the second quarter of 2011. Once this is available, a programme will be developed to implement eCAF in Stockton-on-Tees.

For more information on eCAF, visit the Every Child Matters Website.