Common Assessment Framework (CAF) - the role of the Locality Team

Locality Teams, based within the Children's Services Department of Hampshire County Council, have a number of roles in the Common Assessment Framework process. They will:

• Ensure the participation of children, young people and their families, so that they are in the centre of the CAF process.
• Advise and assist as needed at all stages of the CAF process.  Where it is necessary or appropriate, they will take on the role of lead professional.
• Provide direct work to children and families on the basis of needs identified through a CAF and 'Team Around the Child' (TAC) meeting identifying them as most appropriate to meet the needs.
• Broker access to services where necessary.  For example, they will use their links with a wide range of professionals and agencies to help engage services that are needed for a child, young person or their family, when this cannot be easily achieved by an individual lead professional.  They will identify the right professional to give the support required, and will work to gain their co-operation and involvement on the family's behalf.

Locality teams also have various statutory functions within the Children's Services Department. These include the Education Welfare Service, responsible for school attendance issues.

NB For enquiries concerning education welfare and school attendance, please contact the Locality Team for the district where the school is located.

For all other services provided by Locality Teams, please contact the team for the district where you live.