With a lot of news and possible changes around the NDIS, reforms, etc., I bet most of you are feeling overwhelmed with all this information. We all are!

I believe, almost all of us in allied health working in the NDIS space are closely watching the news, checking updates, and reading articles so we can prepare for what the possible changes may bring. We are also bracing for impact and thinking about what we might need to do next. Among all the news out there, you may also have heard about a new government initiative called Thriving Kids.

Well, you are lucky to find this article because I did the digging for you. I looked through government websites, found the official fact sheet and Q&A sheet, and did some extra research to understand what this program is really about. In this article, I’ll explain the Thriving Kids Program, what it actually is, what we know so far, and most importantly, why the government is introducing it.

What is the Thriving Kids Program?

The government plans Thriving Kids as a national support system for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs. Basically, this is the government’s first major move under Foundational Supports, with the goal of creating more support options outside the NDIS.

The aim is to give children and families earlier help, clearer advice and practical support at home, in early learning settings, schools and the community. But here’s the part families need to pay attention to: the government is still developing the program. Officials have confirmed some details, including the rollout timeline and funding commitment, but big questions around access, assessments and local service availability remain unclear.

Who is Thriving Kids intended for?

This is probably one of the biggest questions families are asking right now. Based on the information released so far, the government intends Thriving Kids for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or living with autism who have low to moderate support needs. The program also aims to support parents, carers and families who may need information, guidance and practical strategies to help their child.

The government has indicated that support needs will not be based on diagnosis alone, but on a child’s functional abilities, everyday challenges and developmental needs. Children living with permanent and significant disability, or those with high support needs and substantially reduced functional capacity, should remain eligible for the NDIS under existing arrangements.

However, the government is still developing the program and has not yet confirmed many details about eligibility and how it will assess support needs.

Why is Thriving Kids being introduced?

Many families currently turn to the NDIS because they do not know where else to go when they have concerns about their child’s development. The government has acknowledged that Australia needs stronger support options outside the NDIS.

Thriving Kids aims to fill this gap. The program aims to help families access information, early developmental support and targeted help without relying only on individualised NDIS funding.

What supports may be available through Thriving Kids?

The government has indicated that Thriving Kids will offer a combination of existing services and new supports. Services are expected to be delivered in the environments where children live, learn, and play.

Parenting supports and family programs

Families, carers, and kin play a central role in a child’s development. Based on the national Thriving Kids model released by the Australian Government, parenting supports will likely form a key component of the program, although the exact services available may vary as states and territories finalise implementation.

Examples of supports that may be available include:

• Parenting education and skill-building programs.
• Online learning resources and short educational videos.
• Supported playgroups.
• Family support programs.
• Peer support opportunities for parents and carers.Information and advice on child development.
• Culturally safe training and resources.

These supports aim to help families build confidence, strengthen relationships, connect with others facing similar experiences, and better support their child’s growth and development.

Targeted allied health supports

Some children may require additional support beyond parenting programs alone.

Targeted supports may include developmental services delivered by qualified professionals such as:

• Occupational therapists.
• Speech pathologists.
• Physiotherapists.
• Psychologists.
• Audiologists.

These supports may focus on functional skills, independence, communication, participation and transitions such as starting school. The government has also indicated that low-cost assistive technology, aids or equipment may be available where needed.

What is confirmed so far?

Several key aspects of Thriving Kids have already been confirmed by governments.

Confirmed information includes:

• Children living with permanent and significant disability and those with high support needs will continue to be eligible for the NDIS.
• Thriving Kids will support children aged 8 and under living with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs.
• Governments have committed up to $4 billion over five years to establish the program.
• States and territories will deliver parenting supports, local information and navigation services, and targeted allied health supports.
• The Australian Government will fund national initiatives including awareness campaigns, workforce initiatives, online and phone-based advice, and program evaluation.
• Initial services are expected to commence from 1 October 2026.
• Full implementation is expected by 1 January 2028.

What is still unclear?

While governments have released significant details, they are still developing several aspects of the program.

Areas that remain unclear include:

• The exact eligibility and assessment processes families will follow.
• The specific services available in each state and territory.
• How referrals will operate in practice.
• Whether service availability will vary between regions.
• The exact funding levels available for individual supports.
• Detailed access pathways for families seeking assistance.

Governments have stated that they will release more information about service delivery, access arrangements, and implementation closer to the commencement of services.

Will Thriving Kids Deliver What Families Need?

Thriving Kids appears promising in theory: earlier help, clearer pathways and more support outside the NDIS. But it also raises a bigger question about why the government wants to separate these supports from the NDIS in the first place.

Is the goal genuinely to create a better system for children and families, or is it primarily an attempt to reduce pressure on a scheme that has become increasingly expensive? The government argues that many children can be better supported through mainstream and community services, but families will understandably want to see evidence that these alternatives are properly funded and accessible.

For now, Thriving Kids is coming, but we do not yet have the full picture. Keep current supports in place, stay informed and avoid making major decisions based only on headlines.

Editor note: This draft is for public education only and should be updated as more implementation details are released by government.

reference:

• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-03/thriving-kids-model-released-autism-developmental-delay/106287786
• https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-services/support/thriving-kids-program-your-questions-answered
• https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/news/135064-if-parents-designed-the-new-%E2%80%98thriving-kids%E2%80%99-program–it%E2%80%99d-look-like-this
• https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-02/thriving-kids-fact-sheet_0.pdf
• https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-questions-and-answers?language=en