CDI provides children’s mental health services for children under the age of 12 who require assistance with identified difficulties, such as social-emotional or behavioural problems. Our programs are family-centred, and we work with families to assist with parenting challenges and help manage family relationships.

Many of the families we serve have experienced trauma or abuse, domestic violence, family breakdown and other issues that affect healthy childhood development. These children often experience conflict at school or in childcare, difficulties with peers and family members, and issues related to anger management, impulsivity and/or developmental difficulties.

Many parents face unique challenges with their children and are known to benefit from specialized child management and parenting skill development while building a stronger parent-child relationship. Our approach is family-centred and parents are involved throughout their child’s involvement in our programs.

The consequences for children and parents who do not receive adequate and appropriate treatment affect all of us. It is estimated that four out of five children who need help for mental health problems never receive it, and the consequences can include incidences of depression, school dropout, juvenile delinquency and substance abuse. Long-term implications that last into adulthood include illiteracy, violence, underemployment and future family breakdown.

Independent evaluation studies of our Early Intervention Servicesshow that we are making a difference, generating positive results for the children and families we serve, and for our community.

Programs include:

• Child and Family Programs
  
  • Intensive Family Support Program
  • Family and Community Counselling
• School-Based Programs
  
  • Start Right Social Skills
  • School Treatment Program
  • SNAP® for School
• SNAP®
  • What is SNAP®
  • SNAP® Outcomes
  • SNAP® Programs
  • SNAP® Awards and Designations