{
  "id": 11015259,
  "title": "What is and isn't changing today as Thriving Kids begins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/what-is-and-isnt-changing-today-as-thriving-kids-begins",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T19:31:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-01/ndis-thriving-kids-changes/107151392"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The first phase of the $4 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) alternative for children under nine with developmental delay or autism who have low to moderate support needs starts today. Known as Thriving Kids, this initiative aims to provide children and families a baseline level of support in their everyday environments, without requiring a diagnosis or specialist referral. While nationwide, each state and territory will implement their own version of Thriving Kids. The program's first stage introduces \"general supports,\" such as the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline and an online resource hub. Additionally, a Medicare-funded developmental health check for three-year-olds will commence on November 1. Over the next few years, more intensive supports, like playgroups and allied health therapies, will gradually be phased in across Australia, with full implementation expected by January 2028. Federal Minister Mark Butler has emphasized the commitment to ensuring these services are fully operational by then. However, the specifics of what constitutes \"mild to moderate support needs\" and how families with multiple children fitting this description will be accommodated remain unclear. The government has assured that access to the NDIS will remain unchanged until January 2028, during which both the existing and Thriving Kids systems will operate concurrently. Children with permanent and significant disabilities, including developmental delay and autism, will stay eligible for the NDIS beyond 2028. Some concerns have been raised about children being excluded from the NDIS before Thriving Kids begins, a claim the government denies. While Thriving Kids plans to cater to children with moderate support needs through targeted supports, there are uncertainties about the adequacy of these services, especially in already burdened educational settings. Furthermore, details on the specifics required for a child to transition from Thriving Kids to the NDIS are yet to be determined, adding another layer of uncertainty for families. The program's inclusivity for Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse children is also a concern, given their past challenges accessing disability supports. Thriving Kids was introduced in August following government pressure to curb the NDIS's growth, which reached $50 billion in expenses last year. The scheme is anticipated to be implemented differently across jurisdictions, with Queensland pending formal agreement.",
  "summary": "The first phase of the NDIS alternative for some kids under nine with developmental delay and autism begins today. Here's what's actually changing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Conversation AU",
        "title": "Thriving Kids launches today. Here’s what will and won’t change",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/thriving-kids-launches-today-heres-what-will-and-wont-change",
        "published": "2026-09-30T17:59:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}