October 01, 2025

Thriving Kids: Supporting children and families across Australia 

 

The Australian Government is taking important steps to restore the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to its original purpose, supporting people with permanent and significant disability, while ensuring the Scheme remains sustainable for future generations. 

As part of this broader reform, a new initiative called Thriving Kids will provide a national system of support for children and families, designed to support children under 8 years with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism, outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) 

What is Thriving Kids? 

Thriving Kids aims to identify developmental concerns earlier and provide practical, evidence-based supports for children and families. While children with permanent and significant disability will continue to access the NDIS, Thriving Kids will scale and enhance existing services families already use, including: 

• Maternal and child health services 

• General practitioners (GPs) and primary care 

• Playgroups and early childhood education 

• Schools and community health services 

• Digital and phone-based supports 

The program will also provide guidance for parents and carers, offering routines, advice, and practical strategies for helping children thrive in everyday environments, both at home and in learning or play settings. 

Expert Guidance and Collaboration 

The program design will be informed by extensive consultation, including the Independent Review of the NDIS, the Thriving Kids Advisory Group co-chaired by Professor Frank Oberklaid, and input from state and territory governments. This collaborative approach ensures the program reflects the best evidence and meets the needs of children and families nationally. 

Funding and Timeline 

The Australian Government has committed $2 billion to Thriving Kids, starting from 1 July 2026. Services will roll out in phases over 12 months to ensure national coverage before broader changes to NDIS access arrangements take effect in mid 2027. 

How Thriving Kids Supports NDIS Reform 

By providing supports for children who can be better helped outside the NDIS, Thriving Kids ensures that the NDIS can remain sustainable and focus on people with permanent and significant disabilities. Children already on the Scheme will continue to receive support according to usual arrangements, including reassessments as needed. 

A Future Where All Kids Thrive 

Thriving Kids represents a national commitment to helping children with developmental delays reach their full potential while supporting families in their everyday lives. Through early intervention, evidence-based programs, and collaboration with experts, the program will ensure that every child has the chance to thrive, now and into the future.