Child Development Institute

10/06/2025

This October, CDI is proud to celebrate 40 years of SNAP®!

Developed in the 1980s, SNAP (Stop Now And Plan) began as an evidence-based intervention program for boys under 12 with behavioural challenges. Today, SNAP has evolved into an award-winning suite of gender- and culturally-adapted programs — transforming the lives of thousands of children, youth, and families across Canada and internationally.

Each year, SNAP’s impact continues to grow. In 2024-25, more than 10,000 children and youth were served by CDI and our 50+ SNAP affiliate partners!

Thank you to our staff, affiliates, partners, funders, and supporters for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next 40 years of creating safer, healthier communities for all. 💚

10/03/2025

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month!

Did you know: 1 in 10 youth report having a learning disability (Statistics Canada).

At CDI, we support these children and youth through specialized counselling services tailored to their unique learning styles and needs — working together to develop understanding, build coping strategies, and improve self-esteem.

This and beyond, join us in raising awareness and championing learning environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about CDI’s LDMH programming: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/12-18-youth-family-services/12-18-mental-health-and-learning-disabilities-ldmh-counselling-services/

10/02/2025

CDI was honoured to present at yesterday’s — sharing the impact and outcomes of our Gender Based Violence (GBV) programs, including the successful and ongoing expansion of Mothers in Mind (MIM) through the Safe at Home initiative.

In 2024-25, 100% of CDI’s MIM and Here to Help participants reporting satisfaction with the programs. These outcomes highlight the critical role of evidence-based, compassionate supports in helping families heal from trauma, rebuild safety, and strengthen parent-child relationships.

We are proud to contribute to this national conversation and learn alongside others committed to strengthening responses to across Canada.

09/30/2025

We are proud to share CDI’s 2024-25 Annual Report: Pathways to Brighter Futures.

“Our ability to do this work is made possible by the strength of our partnerships and by the unwavering dedication of our staff, Board of Directors, donors, and volunteers, whose belief in the potential of every child continues to fuel our mission.” – Wendy Miller, Board Chair, and Andrew Reddin, CEO

Through program innovations, meaningful data, and heartwarming testimonials, this report celebrates a year of growth and impact at CDI — serving more children, youth and families than ever before.

Explore the full report:https://childdevelop.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CDI-Annual-Report-2024-25-Pathways-to-Brighter-Futures.pdf

09/30/2025

This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system, as well as their families, and communities.

This morning, our teams took part in a workshop to support deeper understanding of reconciliation, and how we can embed this work into our practices.

Today as we wear orange and prioritize these important conversations, CDI reaffirms our commitment to ongoing learning, diverse partnerships, and meaningful action as we strive to provide inclusive services for all children, youth and families.

09/25/2025

CDI’s doors are always open.

CDI’s free gender-based violence services provide mothers and their children with tools to heal and plan for a brighter future.

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

09/24/2025

This school year, falling behind, withdrawing, and acting out can be signs of underlying mental health challenges.

But the right supports can make a BIG difference.

Last year, CDI reached more children and youth than ever before — responding to Ontario’s mental health crisis with a holistic range of services.

This September, your support can help even more students grow, belong, and thrive. 🌟

Donate today:
https://childdevelop.ca/impact/donate/support-childrens-mental-health-this-september/

09/23/2025

Thank you to WomanACT for bringing awareness to CDI’s Gender-Based Violence Services this 💜

At CDI, we are proud to provide free, compassionate support programs to mothers, children, and youth impacted by gender-based violence — helping families heal, grow, and thrive together.

Registration for our fall programs is now open! Visit our website to learn more: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/gender-based-violence-services/

09/23/2025

Special thanks to CIBC Foundation for supporting our SNAP for Schools Indigenous-Focused Scaling Initiative!

Through this initiative, CDI will continue to grow and strengthen our partnerships with Indigenous community leaders, Elders, and educators to support the mental health and emotional well-being of thousands of Indigenous children each year through the SNAP for Schools program, prioritizing a culturally safe, trauma-informed approach grounded in community.

We are proud to walk alongside Indigenous partners in this important work, rooted in Truth and Reconciliation.

09/19/2025

"From the very first visit, we felt hope again. The staff knew how to reach James with structure, compassion, and consistency.” — Mom, School Day Treatment Program

At CDI, our mental health professionals work together with families and educators to help children build skills to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

This September, your support can help even more students grow, belong, and thrive. 🌟

Donate today:
https://childdevelop.ca/impact/donate/support-childrens-mental-health-this-september/

09/18/2025

Discover hope and healing with CDI.

CDI offers free gender-based violence support programs without a waitlist, helping mothers and their children connect and thrive together.

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

09/17/2025

Ontario’s classrooms are seeing a sharp rise in violence: it’s up nearly 80% since 2018–19, with 4,400+ incidents reported last year alone.

These aren’t just numbers. They’re children and educators being affected, classrooms being disrupted, and learning time being lost.

The message is clear: kids need earlier, evidence-based support to address behaviour challenges before they escalate.

Read our CEO Andrew Reddin’s iPolitics op-ed on why scaling SNAP for Schools matters now:

"The rising number of violent incidents in classrooms should not be seen as inevitable. They should be seen as a signal flare. We can decide that these incidents will not define our children’s education, nor their futures," writes Andrew Reddin, CEO of the Child Development Institute.