The Minister for Health and Ageing, Disability and the NDIS, Hon Mark Butler MP, has announced an overview of Thriving Kids and released the report from the Thriving Kids Advisory Group. While many details are still being worked through, this update did provide some clarity on what families raising children with disability, autism and developmental delay can expect.
Kiind is committed to making sure families have the information they need to support their child amongst this major system reform. With help from our friends at ACD, we’ve summarised the key information you need to know for now and we’ll keep you updated as more details are released.
When will Thriving Kids start?
Thriving Kids will commence from 1 October 2026 with full roll out completed by 1 January 2028.
What supports will Thriving Kids provide?
Thriving Kids will operate outside the NDIS and is designed to support children in the early years, in ways that are accessible, practical and family-centred. It will be delivered in children’s everyday settings, such as the family home, childcare and kindergarten. Children will not need a diagnosis to access this support.
The Australian Government will be responsible for national components of the program, including overall information and program evaluation. State governments will deliver parenting programs and targeted supports.
These supports will include:
- Early identification of developmental delays, through GPs, child and family health nurses, and other professionals
- Free information and advice for families, via phone and online services
- Parenting supports and programs, including peer support groups, playgroups and parenting courses
- Targeted supports, delivered by allied health professionals such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists, as well as access to low-cost assistive technology, aids and equipment
Supports are free and will not have a gap fee.
What does this mean for children currently in or entering the NDIS?
The current NDIS eligibility rules for children aged 0-8 years will remain in place from now until 1 January 2028.
If your child is currently accessing the NDIS, they will remain on the NDIS, subject to current rules.
A child entering the NDIS with developmental delay or disability can still access the Early Childhood Approach and the NDIS, again this is subject to the current requirements.
What will change from 1 January 2028?
Eligibility rules for children aged 0–8 years will change. However, children already on the NDIS will continue under the current rules.
From 1 January 2028, the way children access support will change:
- Children aged 0–8 years and older with significant and permanent disability will continue to access the NDIS. This includes young children with developmental delay or autism who have high support needs.
- Children aged 0–8 years with developmental delays and low to moderate support needs will receive support through Thriving Kids instead of the NDIS.
Thriving Kids is a significant shift in early supports for children and families. While more details are still to come, we now have a clearer picture of what families can expect over the coming years. If you have any questions or would like individualised support in navigating the NDIS and this transition, we invite you to book a free, Pathway Planning session with us.
