Child Development Institute

Today is — a time to recognize and celebrate the traditions, cultures, and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

As an organization that supports children, youth, and families across diverse communities, we know that positive, equitable outcomes require ongoing learning, relationship-building, and collaboration. We are grateful for the ongoing support from our Indigenous partners to help ensure CDI programs and services reflect the diverse needs, strengths, and experiences of those we serve. 🧡

Today, we honour — a day that extends beyond borders as a symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity for all.

Across Canada, Juneteenth offers an important opportunity to reflect on the role each of us plays in creating inclusive spaces for our communities.

At CDI, we remain committed to reducing barriers through our practices and policies, and ensuring our services reflect, support, and empower the children, youth, and families we serve every day.

Last week, CDI was pleased to host a panel at the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Annual National Convention — exploring the essential role of partnerships in developing, evaluating, and delivering effective mental health programming for children and youth.

CDI’s own Sarah Woods and Chloé Eward shared perspectives from our Stop Now And Plan (SNAP®) program, highlighting how collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and diverse community organizations has helped SNAP remain responsive to the evolving needs of young people and families across Canada throughout its 40-year history.

Thank you to our research partner Dr. Stephanie Craig with the Supporting Youth Development (SYD) Lab at the University of Guelph, and SNAP Affiliate Partner SNAP Family Center, for contributing to this important discussion and for your continued collaboration in bridging the gap between research and real-world practice.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

At CDI, we are proud to celebrate the diversity, strength, and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and to continue working toward a future where every young person can thrive as their authentic self.

We know that a sense of belonging, acceptance, and affirmation can have a powerful impact on mental health and wellbeing. This month and beyond, we remain committed to fostering inclusive and affirming spaces through our services, policies, and practices to help ensure that all children, youth, families, and staff feel safe, respected, and valued.

Together, we can help build communities where everyone feels seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are!

June is National Indigenous History Month — a time to honour the cultures, traditions, experiences, and profound contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.

At CDI, we know that reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility that requires collective commitment, accountability, and action over time.

This month and beyond, we remain committed to ongoing learning and action in support of Truth and Reconciliation, guided by our IDEA Action Plan. This includes working alongside Indigenous partners and communities, strengthening cultural responsiveness across our programs and services, and continuing to examine how our policies, practices, and systems can better support equitable outcomes for all.

Are you looking for a summer camp where your child can feel understood, supported, and free to be themselves?

At Camp Towhee, our counsellors receive specialized training from CDI’s clinical psychologists — equipping them with valuable knowledge about , mental health, proactive behaviour management strategies, and more.

As a therapeutic-based program, we know that a safe, inclusive environment makes all the difference.

When children and youth feel supported and understood, they can build confidence, make lasting friendships, and discover their strengths.

Applications are open! Contact our team today to learn more about Camp Towhee for your child: https://ow.ly/7Asx50Z4WxL

Please note that all CDI offices will be closed today, May 18th, for the long weekend.

Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) — a global day of awareness, solidarity, and action recognizing the ongoing barriers and discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

At CDI, we know that children and youth thrive when they experience belonging, acceptance, and the freedom to be themselves. These conditions are essential to positive mental health outcomes and wellbeing.

Today and every day, we remain committed to ongoing learning and action to help foster safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces that reflect the diverse identities and experiences of all those we serve. 💙

Camp Towhee is returning for Summer 2026! ☀️

For more than 50 years, CDI's Camp Towhee has provided a supportive, inclusive environment for Toronto’s children and youth ages 10-18 with and challenges.

Every summer, our campers have the opportunity to build confidence, form meaningful connections, and discover a place where they can truly be themselves.

Applications are open! Contact our team today to learn more about Camp Towhee for your child: https://childdevelop.ca/towhee/

As we celebrate the power of connection this , we also recognize how impact is strengthened through partnership.

CDI’s network of Affiliate Partners plays a critical role in expanding the reach of our Stop Now And Plan (SNAP®) and Mothers in Mind (MIM®) programs — connecting evidence-based supports to communities across Ontario, and Canada.

In 2024-25, our Affiliate Partners supported more than 11,000 children and youth, while deepening cultural responsiveness and adapting service delivery to reflect the unique strengths and needs of the communities they serve.

This year’s “Come Together” theme for is reflected in this work every day, through shared expertise, local leadership, and a collective commitment to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Thank you to our Affiliate community for your ongoing dedication and collaboration. 💙

Interested in bringing SNAP or MIM to your community? For more information, visit:

SNAP: https://snap.childdevelop.ca/snap-affiliates/

MIM: https://childdevelop.ca/mothersinmind/for-professionals/