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Launch of CDI’s Strategic Plan and New School Avoidance Toolkit
A Milestone Event: Launching Our 2025–2028 Plan and School Avoidance Toolkit
We were delighted to welcome colleagues, partners and supporters to the launch of our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and our new School Avoidance Toolkit.
This event was an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, celebrate the partnerships that make our work possible, and share our vision for the years ahead.
Introducing a Vital New Resource for Schools
A key highlight of the day was the formal launch of our School Avoidance Toolkit—a practical, accessible resource developed in partnership with local schools.
The Toolkit is designed to support school staff in responding to School Avoidance and builds on our experience delivering the Nova Youth Mental Health Programme in Dublin 24.
School Absenteeism — a Worrying Issue
Reports show that the number of children absent from school for more than 20 days is increasing.
In 2020–2021, there was 11% primary school absenteeism and 12% post-primary school absenteeism.
In 2022–2023, this rose to 25% primary school absenteeism and 20% post-primary school absenteeism.
This is not something to ignore — it is huge.
– Dr Niall Muldoon
Positive Impact of CDI’s School Avoidance Toolkit already Apparent
School Avoidance has become more and more of an issue over the last number of years. It’s an ongoing issue we’re always working to reduce. It probably started off as academic, but now it’s about anxiety, stress, and peer issues, which we are all trying to address—the social aspects of a child’s school journey. We use a holistic model, working with parents at home and collaborating with outside agencies, such as CDI, and using the Nova School Avoidance Toolkit to reduce the barriers, tackle the reasons children don’t come to school, and build resilience in them. -Tomas Hayes, Principal, St Aidan’s SNS, Brookview Tallaght.
A Special Thank You to Dr Niall Muldoon
We were honoured to have Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, officially launch the Toolkit. His presence added real significance to the occasion and reinforced the importance of supporting children and young people who are struggling to attend school.
When you enter CDI, you can sense and feel their love for their work and mission. They combined this with an evidence-informed and impactful approach, a complex combination to get right, but they have done it fantastically. – Dr Niall Muldoon
A Powerful Panel and Engaged Audience
Following the launch, we hosted a thoughtful and wide-ranging panel discussion. Our expert speakers explored the challenges surrounding school avoidance and shared insights into what works in practice.
The conversation continued with contributions from an audience of educators, youth workers, mental health professionals and policy-makers—demonstrating the shared interest and commitment across sectors.
Thank You to Audrey Warren, Area Manager, Tusla
We sincerely thank Audrey Warren, Area Manager, Tusla, for attending the event and delivering the closing remarks. Her presence and support were greatly appreciated and added significance to the occasion.
Positive Media Coverage
We’re pleased to report that the event received strong media coverage, helping to raise awareness about school avoidance and share our new Toolkit with a wider national audience.
The Echo: 27/03/25 and The Echo online
- Corktoday 1/04/25 – interview with Marian Quinn
Journal.ie: https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/school-refusal-6663958-Apr2025/
Our 2025–2028 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.
