We are very pleased to announce our Annual Report for 2022

Annual Report 2022

The Board of Management presents the annual report and audited financial statements of the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) for the year ended 31 December 2022.

As Chair of CDI’s Board, Mary Corcoran proudly endorses the 2022 Annual Report. She highlights the commitment to transparency, accountability, and community support, emphasising the effective collaboration with dedicated colleagues for impactful outcomes.

Annual Reports 2022 Youtube Playlist:

Summary

Quality and Finance

CDI’s Finance and Risk Committee ensured robust oversight, maintaining compliance with the charity’s Code of Governance. Our statutory audit raised no issues. HSE’s internal audit prompted improvements, all addressed by 2022’s end.

In 2022, CDI spearheaded the development of a National ABC Outcomes Framework, enhancing programme evaluation. A structured review informed programme adaptations to address emerging needs. Innovative methods were employed, including a Social Return on Investment (SROI) study for Doodle Den. Research Fellow Catarina Leitao’s work continued to influence planning. Impact-sharing efforts included conferences and a Plos One publication on COVID-19’s effects in Tallaght. The Data Champions project piloted participatory monitoring in Powerful Parenting, with plans for expansion. Targets for 2023 include an effective information system, staff capacity-building, and completing the Doodle Den SROI study and quasi-experimental evaluation for Doodle Families.

Programmes

Supporting Parents
Powerful Parenting Programme

In 2022, Powerful Parenting thrived, supporting over 300 parents through Parent Carer Facilitators (PCFs), who conducted 139 home visits, hosted 64 coffee mornings, and held 334 one-to-one meetings. PCFs provided targeted support, completing 150 children and over 200 parent referrals to external services. Parent Education Programmes, including Parents Plus, infant massage, and basic paediatric first aid, were well attended. Staffing changes occurred, and services were realigned based on population data. Collaborating with Startbright Greenhills expanded outreach. Interagency collaboration, continuous professional development, and training initiatives were prioritised. Looking ahead, a new Powerful Parenting Support Officer joins the team, promising an exciting 2023.

Ante Natal to Three initiative (ATTI)

In 2022, the Ante Natal to Three Initiative (ATTI) emphasised early parent-infant relationships, introducing baby massage classes for direct community engagement. Leadership in the ATTI Steering Group and expanding the Tallaght Infant Mental Health network marked successful interagency collaboration. Notable achievements included securing funding for infant mental health and Relationship training, resulting in completed programs such as Circle of Security and Solihull Foundation Training. “Being Dad,” a research project on Dads in Tallaght, was accepted for presentation at the 18th World Congress of the World Association for Infant Mental Health. Educational events covering reflective challenges and communication’s role drew 170 attendees, enhancing outcomes for families.

Restorative Practices Programme

In 2022, our Restorative Practices Programme thrived, featuring key consultancy projects such as collaborating with Maynooth University Law Department to become the first restorative department in an Irish University. We delivered tailored training to An Garda Siochána and young black adults, engaged with Oberstown Children Detention Campus for ongoing restorative development, and partnered with Tusla to organize a local showcase event celebrating restorative practices in schools and youth services in Tallaght, attended by over 70 people during Restorative Justice week in November.

Nova Youth Mental Health Programme

Nova, a 3-year pilot, addresses the growing mental health needs of young people in Tallaght. Progress includes involving 9 pilot schools with 14,200 students, establishing an advisory group, hosting informative events, and forming working groups to guide project elements. Ongoing efforts involve creating a school avoidance toolkit, collaborating with AsIAm for neurodiversity, and engaging a Youth Advisory Group. Training includes FRIENDS, MEITHEAL, NVR, restorative practices, and the Lundy Model. An action research evaluation of the Meitheal intervention is underway. Exciting months ahead for NOVA!

Literacy

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Over 59,000 books were delivered to 9 pilot schools, celebrating 200,000 books milestone with events. We surveyed 600 parents, reporting positive impacts on child’s reading enjoyment and literacy development. Generously supported by An Post, Amazon Web Services, and the Stocker Foundation.

Doodle Den: Implemented in 11 schools, reaching almost 200 children. Presented at the European Conference on Literacy, showing positive impact despite pandemic challenges. Ongoing research includes a Social Return on Investment study.

Doodle Families: Expanded to Drogheda and Clonshaugh, supported by Amazon Web Services. Facilitated CPD training, presented at the NALA family literacy conference. Aiming to continue support in 2023.

Doodle STEAM: Launched in three Tallaght schools, positively received by parents and facilitators. Undergoing independent evaluation, with plans for sustained expansion in primary schools.

Chit Chat Speech and Language Programme

In 2022, Chit Chat successfully delivered the programme in three DEIS Band 1 Primary Schools, an Early Start, and six Early Learning and Care settings in Dublin 24. Key achievements include supporting 77 children with SLT assessments, training staff in Early Talkboost, Talkboost Key Stage 1, and launching the Talk to Your Baby Cube. Despite staff turnover, Chit Chat maintained interagency collaboration, participated in working groups, and provided clinical supervision. The coordinator completed the Infant Mental Health masterclass and anticipates another impactful year in 2023.

Restorative Practices Training courses

In 2022, our Restorative Practices Programme experienced significant growth, delivering 88 training courses to 930 individuals nationwide, marking a 100% increase from 2021. We trained 35 new CDI Restorative Practices Trainers, expanded our national panel to 106 members in 18 counties, and welcomed 12 new RP Champions. Our ongoing Communities of Practice and CPD events for trainers and our RP podcast season one, which garnered over 10,000 listens, contributed to a successful year of training and development.

CDI Consultancy and Partnerships and Interagency Collaboration

In 2022, CDI reduced reliance on ABC funding from 85% to 73%, strengthened ties with corporate partners like Google and Amazon, and continued impactful consultancy work, including developing the ABC National Outcomes Framework. Notably, CDI researched the needs of under-six children in the North East Inner City, fostering collaboration and strong connections with the Trinity Institute for Population Health. The Restorative Practices Programme excelled, engaging with Maynooth University, An Garda Siochána, Oberstown, and Tusla for impactful projects and training initiatives. The new Programme Support Coordinator enhances CDI’s consultancy and partnership endeavours, reinforcing commitment to interagency collaboration for child and family welfare.

Business Development

In 2022, CDI made significant progress in diversifying its funding base, reducing ABC funding from 85% to 73% of total income. Strengthened relationships with corporate funders like Google Data Centres and Amazon Web Services supported literacy and STEAM initiatives in Tallaght. An Post generously covered monthly book deliveries to Dublin 24 children through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Initiative. Grateful for support from corporate, philanthropic, foundational, trust, and government funders. Consultancy work thrived, including completing the ABC national Outcomes Framework and researching under-six-year-olds in the North East Inner City. Staff capacity increased with the new Programme Support Coordinator role.

Communications and Relationship Building

We’ve enhanced our social media presence, redesigned our website, and refreshed the CDI brand. Social media followers and engagement are rising. Our soon-to-be-launched, revamped website, prioritising user experience, features a Parents Hub created with frontline staff and local parents, offering parenting resources, advice, and links to specialist organizations. Regular meetings with the Communications Committee have expanded, providing valuable insights for future collaboration.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

In 2022, CDI prioritised continuous professional development (CPD) for staff, aligning with regulatory standards from CORU to financial and legal requirements. A notable highlight was presenting research papers at the European Conference on Literacy, fostering international connections. CDI actively engaged in interagency collaboration, forming strong partnerships with the Trinity Institute for Population Health and collaborating with Tusla Education Support Services and Psychology professionals to enhance expertise in Nova — new Youth Mental Health project.