Launch of Our Strategic Plan 2025–2028

On 4 April we will launch Our Strategic Plan 2025–2028.

How We Developed This Strategic Plan

We have set out clear objectives, activities, and outcomes for the next three years. This Strategic Plan was shaped through extensive consultation with parents, service providers, CDI staff, and trustees. It also draws on recent research, including Trinity College Dublin’s Health Assets and Needs Assessment (2024) and the South Dublin Children and Young People’s Services Committee Strategy.

By reviewing recurring themes, existing services, and local needs, we established four high-level objectives:

Our Four Key Objectives

Delivering High-Quality Interventions
CDI will provide evidence-informed programmes to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families in Dublin 24 and across Ireland.
Enhancing Our Expertise and Services
CDI will strengthen its reputation as a leading provider of child and family services, as well as workforce development.
Advocating for Better Child and Family Outcomes
CDI will actively influence policy and practice through strategic partnerships, ensuring that child and family well-being remains a priority.
Ensuring Excellence in Governance and Operations
CDI will continuously improve its structures, systems, and governance to achieve its mission effectively.

For each objective, we have outlined a set of activities, expected outputs, and anticipated outcomes. These interventions cater to children, parents, and professionals, spanning universal, targeted, and specialist support. A full version of the plan to be launched on 4 April 2025.

Elements of the Strategic Plan

Children’s Outcomes: Supporting Early Development

Babies and young children will be supported to reach key developmental milestones.

Doodle STEAM delivered in early years settings.

Children’s Outcomes: Successful Transitions into Early Years & Primary School

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL): 75% of eligible children registered.
Doodle STEAM: 300 children participating annually.
Early Talk Boost & Talk Boost Key Stage 1: Implemented in one early childhood education and care (ECEC) setting and two schools.
Numeracy Support: Funding secured for 50 children per year in early years and primary education.

Children’s Outcomes: Improved Immunisation Rates in Dublin 24

Consultation conducted on local barriers and enablers to immunisation.
Development and dissemination of materials to support informed decision-making.
Awareness-raising initiatives for professionals and community influencers.

Children’s Outcomes: Meeting Individual Needs

Emotionally Based School Avoidance Toolkit rolled out for wider use.
Chit Chat Speech & Language Therapists (SLTs) screening children in their natural environment.
Doodle Families: Delivered to 150 First Class children annually, addressing literacy needs.

Parental Outcomes: Increasing Breastfeeding Rates in Dublin 24

Research conducted with University College Cork (UCC) on breastfeeding barriers and enablers.
Development of materials to support parents in making informed choices.
Creation of resources for families and services to encourage breastfeeding.
Annual distribution of evidence-based breastfeeding information to 200 parents.