Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Child Development Institute?
Q. What programs and services do you offer?
Q. Who do you serve?
Q. What is the age range of the children you serve?
Q. How much do your services cost?
Q. How are you funded?
Q. Where are you located?
Q. Are your services offered in any languages other than English?
Q. How is information about my child and family kept?
Q. How are parents involved in the treatment process?
Q. How do I know that my child is receiving qualified services?
Q. Who are your staff?
Q. When are appointments scheduled?
Q. What if I have a complaint about any of the services I received?
Q. How long do I have to wait for services to start?
Q. What is Child Development Institute?
A. Child Development Institute is a fully accredited, not-for-profit children's organization offering a broad range of services for children aged 0 - 12 and their families such as:
- innovative counselling programs for at risk children;
- programs to support parents and promote healthy child development;
- help to heal the negative effects of woman abuse and child abuse;
- licensed child care centres in three Toronto neighbourhoods;
- a variety of research and training programs geared to strengthening families and promoting healthy child development.
A. Our programs and services are organized into three streams: Healthy Child Development Services, Family Violence Services, and Early Intervention Services. We also offer research and training for professionals. Please see the descriptions on this site for further details.
Q. Who do you serve?
A. Our Early Intervention programs provide help to children with social, emotional, behavioural or developmental challenges and their families. Our Family Violence services, for children aged 0-16 and their families, include support for women and children living in shelters and children/youth who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault. Our Healthy Child Development Services are geared to supporting parents, strengthening parent-child relationships and promoting healthy child development and school readiness. We will work together to determine if Child Development Institute is right for you and your family. If we are not the right service, we will connect you with one that is.
Q. What is the age range of the children you serve?
A. While the majority of our services are geared to children in the 0-12 age range, in some programs we are able to stay connected with families until the child is 18. In our Family Violence Services, all programs are available to children 0-16 and their families.
Q. How much do your services cost?
A. Our programs and services are available to children and families living in Toronto at no direct cost to you, except for our child care services (where subsidies may be available).
Q. How are you funded?
A. Child Development Institute receives funding from a number of sources including: all three levels of government; United Way of Greater Toronto; foundations; corporations; service clubs; employee groups; and individual donors.
Q. Where are you located?
A. Child Development Institute has twelve locations in Toronto. Specific programs and services are offered at specific locations. For example, the Girls Connection is offered at our St. Clair Gardens location while the Family and Community Counselling Team operates out of our Euclid location. Our child care centres are located in Parkdale, High Park, the Annex, North York, St. Jamestown and Cabbagetown. Many of our programs are delivered in community settings such as public schools and with community partners such as the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Public Health and many other community organizations. Please see our Locations & Maps section for details.
Q. Are your services offered in any languages other than English?
A. Portuguese, Spanish and Cantonese counselling services are available. We will work with you to obtain an interpreter if any language barrier exists or we will assist you in finding services in your first language, whenever possible.
Q. How is information about my child and family kept?
A. Information that you share with us is confidential. A client file will be maintained containing written reports by our workers and other professionals, which is kept for a minimum of seven years according to legal requirements. Our files are open to clients and you will receive copies of our reports. Legally, information and reports in your file cannot be shared with any outside person or organization without your written permission. The only people with access to your files are the workers involved with you and their manager. However, we have a legal responsibility to report suspected cases or risk of child abuse to the appropriate children's aid society. We must also report our concerns that a child may pose a threat to him/herself or to others.
Q. How are parents involved in the treatment process?
A. We are committed to creating a strong partnership between parents/caregivers and Child Development Institute staff in order to make a positive difference in your child and family's situation. The experience and knowledge of our professional staff will complement your own knowledge about your child. In most programs you will be actively involved from the start in planning and reviewing services and setting goals for your child and family. You will always receive information about the program your child is involved in and your wishes and concerns will be listened to carefully.
Q. How do I know that my child is receiving qualified services?
A. All Child Development Institute services meet the quality standards of our municipal and provincial funding partners. We are accredited by Children's Mental Health Ontario, which ensures that our government-funded treatment services have passed rigorous province-wide standards. Our licensed child care centres meet the requirements of The Day Nurseries Act and the standards set out by the Province and the City. Child Development Institute is a United Way Member Agency and meets their high standards for performance and accessibility. All Child Development Institute services are operated in accordance with our quality assurance practices.
Q. Who are your staff?
A. We are very proud of our excellent team of caring and experienced professionals. Staff come from a variety of educational disciplines and professional backgrounds. Our staff are from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds and all have experience working with children and families. Some staff have specialized training in early childhood education, play therapy, family therapy and child behaviour management.
Q. When are appointments scheduled?
A. We understand the demands of a busy family life. In many of our programs, we are able to offer services in times that do not conflict with school or employment. In some programs, we are able to meet with you in your home or your child's school or daycare centre.
Q. What if I have a complaint about any of the services I received?
A. Child Development Institute takes all concerns and issues you raise seriously and will endeavour to address these as quickly as possible. Our Client Complaint Policy is available to you by the Intake Worker and all program staff. You and your child are encouraged to express concerns or issues about services directly with your worker. We usually find this helps resolve differences. Your next step would be to talk with your worker's manager. Then, if unresolved, the Executive Director will become involved in the process.
Q. How long do I have to wait for services to start?
A. It depends upon the service. For some programs there is a short wait and for others it might be a few months. While you are waiting we will try and assist you to find community or other supports.
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