Quick Answer

The Thriving Kids Program is a new program announced by the Australian Government to provide foundational supports for children aged under eight with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism. It aims to deliver early support through schools, GPs, and community services, while the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) remains for children with more significant and permanent care needs. The government hopes this initiative will create a more sustainable system and ensure national consistency in how we support children with developmental concerns.

Why the Thriving Kids Program Was Announced

The federal government and states and territories have been under pressure due to rapid annual growth in NDIS participants, especially autistic children and those with developmental delays. At the National Press Club, Minister Butler explained that the original purpose of the disability insurance scheme NDIS must be preserved for those with the most significant needs. The Thriving Kids Program was announced as a jointly funded partnership to provide earlier help and reduce long-term gaps in services.

Who Will Be Eligible?

The kids program is designed for children aged under eight with mild to moderate developmental concerns. Unlike the NDIS, families will not need to prove a permanent disability. Instead, the focus is on identifying support needs early, giving children a chance to receive support before their challenges become long-term. This initiative reflects a collaborative approach between health services, schools, and community providers.

What Supports Will Be Delivered?

Under the Thriving Kids Program, families can expect:

• Early support from GPs, schools, and health services
• Access to therapies for developmental delays and autism
• Parent education and coaching resources
• Community-based programs that help children develop social and communication skills

By creating foundational supports, the government aims to deliver help earlier, keeping children engaged in education and reducing pressure on the scheme.

How It Differs From the NDIS

The NDIS remains essential for autistic people and others requiring significant and long-term support. The new program will instead focus on early and mild to moderate developmental delay cases. This creates space for the disability community with permanent care needs to keep accessing the scheme without risking sustainability. In a budget perspective, this move ensures funding is spent where it’s most vital.

Transition From NDIS to Thriving Kids

Some families currently in the NDIS with children showing mild needs will shift to the Thriving Kids Program. Minister Butler has emphasised that no child will lose access to support—instead, they will receive support through more appropriate services. The government hopes this initiative will deliver better outcomes and success for kids while protecting the NDIS’s original purpose.

The Role of States, Territories, and Local Partners

The Thriving Kids rollout will depend on states and territories, with local partners playing an important role in creating and adapting services. This partnership between the Commonwealth and local providers highlights the commitment to co design and consultation with the disability community and groups. Families, providers, and advocacy organisations will shape how the program works in practice.

Reactions From Families and Providers

Feedback from the disability community has been mixed. Some parents welcome the chance for their children to access early support without lengthy assessments. Others are worried about possible gaps if services aren’t ready. Providers stress that workforce shortages must be addressed for the initiative to be a success.

Why Early Support Matters

Experts agree that early support is vital for children with developmental concerns. When autistic children and others with developmental delays can access therapy earlier, their chances of thriving in education, health, and community life increase dramatically. This is why the government sees Thriving Kids as an investment in both kids and the sustainability of the NDIS.

From Announcement to Implementation

The announcement of Thriving Kids is just the beginning. Over the next year, the government hopes to finalise the co design process and prepare services for launch. Consultation with families, groups, and partners will be essential. The initiative is intended to ensure no child falls through the cracks, while keeping the disability insurance scheme NDIS on track.

Re.Connect Support Services: Helping Families Navigate Change

As the Thriving Kids Program rolls out, many families may feel uncertain about what it means for their children and whether they will remain in the NDIS or shift to the new program. That’s where Re.Connect Support Services can play an important role.

Our team specialises in working with parents to identify developmental concerns, understand support needs, and connect with the right services—whether through the disability insurance scheme NDIS, the Thriving Kids initiative, or other community programs.

By providing early support, consultation, and practical guidance, Re.Connect ensures families don’t feel alone in navigating systems that can be complex. We help bridge the gaps between government announcements and real-world access, so children get the support they need to thrive.

Conclusion: Building a Sustainable System

The Thriving Kids Program is more than just a new program—it’s a commitment to balance. By shifting some support needs out of the NDIS and into foundational supports, the federal government aims to protect the scheme’s original purpose, provide earlier help for kids, and build a sustainable system for the future. With strong partnerships, proper funding, and real community involvement, the initiative has the potential to deliver meaningful change for Australian families.