The first director was Nicole Coussement. One of the first actions was to set up a team of volunteers. They then organized a brunch to raise funds where there were 200 guests present. The Centre had at that time only two small rooms to provide services to women. This was not suitable, the team wanted to have money to purchase a new home.
The CIDS recommends five types of approaches: cognitive-behavioral therapy, schema-focused therapy, impact, motivational approach and behavioral therapy. Clients are seen as partners responsible for their therapeutic approach: it is essential that they understand the various processes involved in their passage to the criminal act.