CDI Showcase and Community Gathering: Empowering Dublin 24

We hosted the “CDI Showcase and Community Gathering: Empowering Dublin 24” on November 20th, featuring insights from speakers Joe Rynn and Ciara Pidgeon.

Joe Rynn, South Dublin Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC) Coordinator outlined the committee’s objectives, highlighting local success stories like Quarryvale FRC and MacUilliam Estate support. He acknowledged the impact of CDI on the work of CYPSC.

Ciara Pidgeon, Head of the Research Unit, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY), covered essential areas, from the New National Framework to impactful programs like First 5. She acknowledged CDI’s evidence-based approach, aligned with the department’s commitment to positive outcomes. Ciara outlined how CDI’s piloting, research and rollout model has impacted the department’s work.

The event showcased key programmes the CDI delivers: Restorative Practices, Chit Chat, Powerful Parenting, Literacy, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Nova Youth Mental Health, plus new developments such as the Support Pathways for Children with Additional Needs and a sneak peek of CDI’s new website, with a dedicated Parents Hub.

We also launched two new Restorative Practices short modules for Junior Cert students and presented our three annual report films.

Joe Rynn noted, The Children and Young Peoples Services Committee (CYPSC) is a national structure aligned to local authority boundaries. The South Dublin CYPSC ensures that child and family services meet local needs. This has included developing support for children with additional needs, families experiencing homelessness and efforts to keep young people in school. This showcasing event is an opportunity to share just some of the fantastic services available in the county.’