Background/Aims Care aims is a population-based, person-centred approach which provides a strategy encompassing the management of a service, informing the population, empowering the workforce around the service user and supporting the person and their family to manage their own lives wherever possible. This pilot study implemented the care aims framework into children's services using quality improvement methods. Methods An audit of baseline data identified the referral process as an area for improvement in the service. Quality improvement techniques were used to design and test small cycles of change. Results The results of the audit showed up to 25% of ‘requests for help’ received from various referrers were not appropriate for several reasons, including old forms and incomplete information. Five tests of change were implemented, which had a mixed impact. Conclusions This pilot study can help other multidisciplinary teams who are implementing the care aims approach and looking to improve their referral processes in order to improve access to care.