Thriving Kids will start in October. But will the new support system be ready when families need it?
Parents are worried they’re about to lose a system that works and are wondering what will actually be there when their child needs help.
From October, Australian authorities will introduce a new support system called Thriving Kids for children aged eight and under with developmental delays and autism. This program, still in development, is set to be fully implemented by January 2028. The government aims to transition children with low to moderate support needs from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to this new system, while those with significant disabilities and high support needs will remain in the NDIS. The move is part of a broader effort to save A$37.8 billion in NDIS expenditure over four years.
However, parents are concerned about the readiness of the new system when their children may need it. The government's decision to move lower support needs children from the NDIS is aimed at focusing resources on those with permanent and significant disabilities. This shift involves committing $4 billion over five years to develop and deliver "foundational support" programs, including Thriving Kids, at the federal and state levels.
The challenge lies in the practical development of these services, including workforce capacity, regional and remote service availability, and how families will access them.
Early indications suggest that children may not need a diagnosis to access Thriving Kids support, and there are calls for services like physiotherapy and speech pathology to be available without additional costs. The program emphasizes child- and family-centered care in familiar settings such as homes, early childhood centers, and communities. This approach aims to promote relationships, community participation, and independence, moving beyond specialized therapy towards everyday life opportunities.
Success of Thriving Kids should be measured by its impact on children's lives, focusing on participation, relationship development, and independence. While the program's potential is promising, its effectiveness hinges on practical implementation and accessibility. Parents who have invested time in finding suitable support for their children are understandably anxious about these changes.
It remains to be seen whether Thriving Kids will provide a genuinely useful and inclusive alternative to the NDIS, or if it risks leaving children without adequate support.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
