Changes to government support for children
What you need to know
The Australian government has announced a new approach to delivering supports for children aged eight and under with additional developmental needs.
On 3 February, the Australian Government released its Thriving Kids Advisory report, which outlines a new national model of supports, outside the NDIS, to support children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism, with low to moderate support needs. The model is backed by a $4 billion investment and will be implemented by state and territory governments.
Who is included in the Thriving Kids model?
The Thriving Kids model was designed to support children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism, with low to moderate support needs. Children with permanent and significant disability, including those with high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS.
“The NDIS remains a critical pathway to access support for adults and children with permanent and significant disability.” (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
Who was involved in the design?
Several stakeholders were involved in the design of the Thriving Kids model. Co-chaired by Professor Frank Oberklaid AM, the advisory group was comprised of specialists from various areas, including paediatrics, research, child development, disability, child and family services, health care, early education, schools, First Nations perspectives, states and territory and government representatives. The model was also tested with families with lived experience.
Professor Frank Oberklaid AM stated:
“The advisory group has reviewed the evidence for what constitutes best practice, broadly consulted on strategy with professionals across the whole range of disciplines, as well as families with lived experience.” (Department Health, Disability and Ageing)
When will the changes take effect?
The roll out will commence on 1 October 2026, with full implementation by 1 January 2028.
Children aged under eight enrolled in the NDIS prior to 1 January 2028 with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs will be subject to the usual reassessment criteria in place prior to 1 January 2028.
This timeline is important for clinicians and families to plan assessments, referrals, and engagement with supports.
Principles of the model
The model aims to “help give children the best start in life by ensuring those with additional developmental needs receive quality supports earlier in their developmental journey – when these supports can have a big impact.” (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
Key principles of the advisory group’s proposed national model include:
- identifying children with developmental delay as early as possible
- connecting children and families with supports, matched to their level of need, to best support their child’s early development
- offering supports that are child and family centred, informed by evidence and focused on outcomes
- supports are delivered in everyday settings, where they live, learn and play
- supports are empowering, connected to service systems families already trust and are easy to navigate
- acknowledging that children’s needs are not linear and can change over time.
Sources of information:
