Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut

The Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut (CHDI) is an independent nonprofit intermediary founded in 1997. Headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, it connects people, information, data and systems to improve the behavioral health and well-being of children, youth and families in Connecticut and beyond. Its work spans children's behavioral health, healthcare, education, the public sector, community services and research.

CHDI operates through several programmes. It develops and disseminates evidence-based treatments for children's behavioral health, and provides training and technical assistance to child-serving professionals. Its comprehensive school mental health initiative works with more than 380 schools across Connecticut. The institute also runs data analysis and quality improvement initiatives to advance children's behavioral health systems, and advocates for policies that strengthen services for children and families. CHDI initiatives reach tens of thousands of children.

Technical work at the institute covers data analysis, quality improvement, system development and integration, school mental health, and the dissemination of evidence-based treatment. As an intermediary, CHDI collaborates with government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, community organisations and research partners, bridging research, practice and policy. Its stated focus is mission-driven, centred on the well-being of children, youth and families.