Child Development Institute

11/28/2025

When Karen, a local business owner at Hummingbird Investment Holdings Inc., was looking for a meaningful way to give back to her community, she found alignment with CDI’s Taste of Home program.

For weeks, Karen cooked alongside families — helping kids (ages 6-17) who have experienced interpersonal violence and are living in CDI’s partner shelters discover joy, confidence, and mindfulness through food.

“It’s such a wholesome environment where families come together, cook, learn, and share a meal. You’d be surprised how excited kids get about making salad! Those little moments became opportunities for real connection.” – Karen, Volunteer

This of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we are celebrating advocates like Karen, as well as the healing, skill-building spaces CDI’s Gender-Based Violence Services team creates for Toronto’s children, youth, and families. 💜

Learn more about our programs and services: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/gender-based-violence-services/

11/27/2025

Research shows that exposure to intimate partner violence accounts for 45% of child maltreatment in Canada.

All children deserve to feel safe — yet far too many experience violence at a young age. For children under four, the effects are especially deep and long-lasting. It can shape how they grow to see themselves, others, and the world around them.

At CDI, our Gender-Based Violence Services provide free, trauma-informed counselling and support for children and mothers healing from violence. By helping families process their experiences and rebuild a sense of trust, we give them the tools to grow and thrive.

Your donation can help make this healing possible. 💜

This of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, help mothers and children find support and brighter futures: https://childdevelop.ca/impact/donate/donate-now/

11/27/2025

This November, CDI’s Mothers in Mind (MIM®) program is celebrating 20 years of impact!

In 2005, MIM began as an idea for an innovative support program for mothers and their young children affected by family violence. Today, it has grown into an evidence- and culturally-informed model that has supported thousands of children and their mothers at CDI and across more than 10 affiliate sites in Ontario, and beyond (including Manitoba and Australia!).

Each year, MIM’s impact continues to grow. In 2024-25:

• 100% of CDI’s participating mothers expressed satisfaction with the program, reporting significant improvement in their confidence as a parent.

• 100% of participating child protection workers, through the Safe at Home initiative in partnership with , reported positive shifts in parenting and well-being.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, affiliates, community partners, funders, and supporters for helping make this work possible. Together, we can continue to build safe spaces for families to heal, grow, and thrive. 💜

11/26/2025

November 25 – December 10 marks the of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

is not limited to physical harm. It can include neglect, harassment, and actions or attempts to degrade, control, intimidate, or coerce another person. These acts can occur online, in public spaces, and at home.

For mothers who have survived violence, rebuilding is a journey marked by courage, vulnerability, and the hope that their children can grow up free from cycles of harm.

At CDI, we are here to help. Explore our support services for children, youth and mothers who have experiences gender-based violence: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/gender-based-violence-services/

If you are a woman in crisis, please call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 416-863-0511; or text “SAFE” to 7233.

11/13/2025

Why do some children develop antisocial behaviour (AB), and how can early intervention change their path?

CDI’s SNAP® (Stop Now And Plan) team partnered with international researchers to address these questions in a newly published chapter featured in “Youth Deviance, Crime, and Justice: The Neuro-Psycho-Criminological Perspective” — an international publication exploring the latest research on youth delinquency.

Our research highlights how SNAP, an evidence-based and trauma-informed intervention model, applies neurobiological insights to successfully help children under 12 displaying AB develop self-control, emotional regulation, and prosocial skills.

Congratulations to our SNAP team and international partners for continuing to advance this important research — bridging science and frontline practice to create brighter futures for children and families.

To read our chapter, “Neurobiological Underpinnings of Treatment Success for High-Risk Children Displaying Antisocial Behavior,” visit:

Effective treatment strategies for children with antisocial behavior (AB) involve a multidimensional approach encompassing individual, family, and community interventions. Advances in neuroscience ha...

10/21/2025

Today is Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!

At CDI, we are proud to celebrate the dedication, impact, and expertise of our Early Years and Child Care Services team.

In 2024-25, our EarlyON and Early Learning Centres supported 9% more children and caregivers than the previous year — a powerful reflection of the trust families place in our teams and their unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive care for our communities.

Thank you to our incredible team for nurturing the next generation with compassion, understanding, and care. 🧡

Interested in learning more about CDI’s Early Years and Child Care Services? Visit: https://childdevelop.ca/early-years-child-care-services/

10/20/2025

We’re celebrating 40 years of CDI’s SNAP® program with a fresh new look!

With the support of our 50+ Affiliate Partners, SNAP has been bridging a critical gap in children’s mental health services for four decades, making a difference for thousands of families across Canada and beyond.

While the look has evolved, SNAP remains the same trusted program: grounded in research, shaped by community, and powered by the people who make it possible.

This refresh reflects the shared impact and journey of CDI’s community. Here’s to 40 more years of SNAP — together!

10/17/2025

Explore CDI’s latest community newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/childdevelop/cdi-newsletter-october-2025

Receive impactful testimonials, exclusive program updates, ways to get involved, and more — right to your inbox!

Subscribe today: https://childdevelop.ca/press-room-news/newsletter/

10/16/2025

“Having dedicated 20 years to Child Protection work, I wear a purple pin this month to raise awareness of the importance of our duty to protect children and youth.” – Laurie Marsan, Director of Clinical Services

Children and youth thrive when they have supportive relationships, access to services, and safe, inclusive spaces. At CDI, we embed equity into everything we do — offering high-quality mental health supports, including services, to vulnerable children, youth, and families when they need it most.

No one should face adversity alone. Join us this as we wear purple to remind families that support is available in their communities. 💜

10/15/2025

“Knowing that your disabled child is accepted and thriving somewhere brings value and meaning back to families. Thank you for being present for our son and his needs.” – Caregiver, Fraser Mustard Early Learning Centre

At CDI, we are proud to meet families with compassion and understanding — providing all children and youth with inclusive, accessible, and personalized care.

Explore our 2024-25 Annual Report to learn more about how we’re creating brighter futures for our communities:https://childdevelop.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CDI-Annual-Report-2024-25-Pathways-to-Brighter-Futures.pdf

10/14/2025

As CDI celebrates 40 years of SNAP® this October, we are reflecting on the incredible impact made possible by our affiliate partners.

Through CDI’s SNAP 2.0 strategy, our reach continues to grow across Canada and internationally, while deepening cultural responsiveness in every community we serve.

In 2024-25 alone, CDI licensed 9 new affiliate sites, and together, our network of affiliate partners served 164% more children and youth than the previous year.

These milestones highlight what’s possible when passionate partners come together with a shared mission. Thank you to our SNAP affiliates for being such an essential part of this journey.

10/13/2025

Please note that all CDI offices are closed today, October 13, for the long weekend.