The Federal Government has released the Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report. This report includes the proposed national model for Thriving Kids.
Thriving Kids was the result of advocacy from families and their service providers. The Independent Review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme listened and recommended the Australian Government and state and territory governments (governments) should invest in supports for children, and their families, outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as part of a unified system of supports. Governments have committed to jointly contribute $4 billion over 5 years to implement the first phase of Foundational Supports, known as ‘Thriving Kids’.
It is happening!
Thriving Kids will support children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism, with low to moderate support needs.
Access to Thriving Kids will begin on 1 October 2026. The program will be fully rolled out by 1 January 2028. The Australian Government will continue to engage state and territory governments, people with disability and the disability sector to inform the design and implementation of Thriving Kids.
Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be eligible for the NDIS subject to usual arrangements. This includes those with developmental delay and/or autism with high support needs.
Read more about Thriving Kids on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.