Common Assessment Framework for Adults (CAFA)

The Common Assessment Framework for Adults (CAFA) is a Department of Health funded project which aims to change the way that information is collected and shared.  This will help to improve the lives of individuals, families and carers by giving people the opportunity to develop and keep a record of their own personal and health information.

Previously, people using health and social care services have often been asked for the same information by different professionals. This is frustrating and wastes time. Different organisations collect the same information, but don’t share it. CAFA aims to break down barriers to sharing, such as lack of agreement between organisations, to allow a better and more personal system. Information will only be shared with an individual’s consent.

The key objectives are to:

• reduce the number of times an individual has to provide basic information
• reduce the time spent giving and collecting information
• help people take control by holding and providing their own core information
• improve information about the services available and how to access them
• capture all relevant information
• make shared information available to health and social care professionals
• respect confidentiality and the need for sharing in line with individual wishes
• establish a single set of rules for access to an individual’s information
• look at ways to allow individuals to take part in their own assessments and develop their support plans.

Contacts

Name	Role	Organisation	Email
Stephen Godfrey	Senior Project Manager	Hampshire County Council	stephen.godfrey@hants.gov.uk
Anne Meader	Project Executive	Carers Together	anne@meader.com