The Thriving Kids Program: A Deep Dive for Parents of Children with Developmental Delays

TL;DR: The Thriving Kids Program is a new foundational support system designed for Australian children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs. It aims to provide early, accessible, evidence-based supports closer to home, with a national rollout beginning in October 2026 and NDIS access changes for this cohort commencing from January 2028.

As parents navigating the world of developmental delays, you're always seeking the best support for your child. The NDIS has been a lifeline for many, but significant reforms are underway, and understanding new initiatives like the Thriving Kids Program is crucial for planning your child's future. These changes are designed to reshape how young children with developmental delays access support, aiming for earlier, more integrated care outside of the NDIS for specific cohorts. See our complete understanding-the-impact-of-ndis-reforms-and-cost-cutting-on-participants guide to help you stay informed about the broader NDIS landscape.

What is the Thriving Kids Program and who is it for?

The Thriving Kids Program is a foundational support initiative by the Australian Government, in collaboration with states and territories, designed to provide accessible and evidence-based supports for young children with developmental needs. This program specifically targets children aged 8 and under who have a developmental delay and/or autism, and who require low to moderate support. It represents a significant $4 billion investment over five years, stemming from a key recommendation of the Independent NDIS Review, to ensure children receive quality supports earlier in their developmental journey when interventions can have the most profound impact. The core idea is to shift these supports into local communities, making them easier to access where children live, learn, and play, thereby helping them achieve the best possible start in life.

How does Thriving Kids change NDIS access for young children?

Thriving Kids will introduce significant changes to NDIS access arrangements for specific groups of children, aiming to streamline support systems and direct certain cohorts to more appropriate, community-based services. From January 1, 2028, children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who are identified as having low to moderate support needs will generally access supports through the Thriving Kids Program rather than the NDIS. This means that if your child falls into this category, their pathway to support may lead to these foundational services instead of an NDIS plan. Crucially, children aged 8 and under with a permanent and significant disability, or those with developmental delay and/or autism who have substantially reduced functional capacity requiring high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS, subject to the usual access requirements. For those currently on an NDIS plan who fit the Thriving Kids criteria (age 8 and under, developmental delay/autism, low to moderate support needs), there will be reassessment processes under the pre-January 2028 eligibility criteria to determine the most suitable pathway for ongoing support.

What types of supports will the Thriving Kids Program offer families?

The Thriving Kids Program is designed to deliver a range of crucial supports focused on early intervention and child development, tailored to meet the individual needs of each child and their family. Families can expect to access trusted information, expert advice, and evidence-based child development supports. These services will be delivered by allied health professionals, ensuring that the interventions are high quality and aligned with best practices for young children with developmental delays or autism. The program aims to integrate supports within local settings, such as schools and community centres, making them more convenient and less disruptive for families. While the specific details of services will become clearer as the program rolls out, the overarching goal is to provide comprehensive, accessible support that empowers parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge to support their child's development effectively.

When will the Thriving Kids Program be available, and what are the next steps?

The Thriving Kids Program will be rolled out in phases across Australia, with services commencing from October 1, 2026, and aiming to be fully at scale by January 1, 2028. This phased introduction is designed to ensure that national services are firmly in place before the associated changes to NDIS access arrangements for young children come into effect on January 1, 2028. The Australian Government is actively working with state and territory governments, people with disability, and the broader disability sector to inform the final design and implementation of these vital reforms. Parents should monitor official government announcements and engage with disability advocacy organisations for the most current information regarding specific services and how to access them in their jurisdiction. Ongoing community engagement opportunities will be provided, allowing families to contribute their insights and help shape the future of these foundational supports.

Key Takeaways

• The Thriving Kids Program is for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay/autism and low to moderate support needs, aiming for earlier, local intervention.
• NDIS access for this specific cohort will change from January 1, 2028; children with high support needs will remain NDIS eligible.
• Supports will include evidence-based allied health services, information, and advice, tailored to individual needs and delivered locally.
• The program rolls out from October 2026, with NDIS access changes aligning with the full scale-up in January 2028.
• Stay informed through official government channels and advocacy groups for updates on service details and access pathways.