Research Partnerships at Childhood Development Initiative (CDI)

At Childhood Development Initiative (CDI), we take our commitment to being evidence informed very seriously. We have worked with almost every third level institution on the island of Ireland, both formally and informally, and are proud of the connections we have made, the skills we have developed and the insights we have shared.  

Independent Evaluations: Ensuring Objectivity

Despite the resource challenges of independent evaluations, CDI has consistently prioritised objective analysis for every project. This rigorous approach ensures that our interventions are optimised to improve outcomes for children and families. Our stakeholders can trust that we are committed to delivering the highest standards of evidence-based practice.

Innovative Collaborations

Through long-standing relationships with academic institutions, CDI has been able to forge innovative partnerships. These collaborations not only support our mission but also allow us to share our expertise in working with disadvantaged communities, reaching a wider audience and enhancing social impact.

Third-level institutions we have worked with

University College Cork (UCC)

CDI is delighted to partner with UCC in this important initiative. We will take responsibility for ensuring that women’s voices are at the heart of shaping the approach to promoting breastfeeding. This collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to build on our ongoing work with the HSE and community-based family support services, particularly through our ‘Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding’ initiative. Together, we aim to further empower and support mothers in making informed choices for themselves and their families.

Maynooth University

CORD Partnership 

We are very proud of the relationship that has developed between CDI and the School of Law at Maynooth University, under the exceptional leadership of Dr Ian Marder. We have trained several members of the Law School staff in Restorative Practices, and through this connection, we have built mutual respect and a strong eagerness to collaborate. We are pleased to be part of this diverse network of criminal justice practitioners, policymakers, and academics, and we welcome the opportunity to both share our insights and learn from others.

European Funded Research: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant  

Horizon 2020 Funding Award

In 2019, we were delighted to receive funding through the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant, to host a Research Fellow for two years. This opportunity brought Dr Catarina Leitao, a Portuguese researcher with a background in family support, to CDI to evaluate our Powerful Parenting Programme—an evidence-informed model designed to support parents of children in early learning and care services.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant funded Research

Promoting family wellbeing through parenting support in ECEC services:
parents’ views ona model implemented in Ireland

Supporting parents with young children in Ireland:
context, policies and research-supported interventions

Conducting Peer Research: Learning From the Evaluation of a Parenting Support Intervention

Research and Evaluation

During her time with CDI, Catarina undertook a range of service evaluations, completed extensive literature reviews, and engaged with a wide variety of service providers and policymakers both across the island of Ireland and beyond. Drawing on lived experience and diverse perspectives, her work supported CDI in embedding evidence-based practices and ensuring our approach aligns with best practice in the field.

Contribution to CDI’s Vision

Catarina’s research was of the highest quality, and she widely disseminated her findings, providing a credible and valuable suite of documents and recommendations. Her contributions have further strengthened our vision to become a leader in evidence-based interventions for children and families. We are deeply grateful for her professionalism, dedication, and objective insights.