The Common Assessment Framework (also known as CAF) is part of the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme. Every Child Matters was published alongside Lord Laming's Inquiry Report into the death of Victoria Climbié following the failings of the many agencies that should have protected her.

The aim of the programme is to ensure that every child receives the universal services, such as GPs, health visitors, midwives and school nurses, early education and childcare, primary and secondary education and leisure to which they are entitled and any additional services they need e.g. homelessness advice or mental health services at the earliest opportunity.