Thriving Kids will focus on identifying developmental concerns earlier and establishing a national system of supports for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and disability and low to moderate support needs and their families.

Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be supported through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

It is expected the Thriving Kids program would rollout in phases, once the design has been finalised. The first services are expected to be available from 1 July 2026 and would continue to ramp up over 12 months.

This will ensure national services are in place ahead of broader changes to NDIS access arrangements from mid-2027.

Thriving Kids Fact Sheet: Thriving Kids – Fact sheet | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Thriving Kids Questions and Answers: Thriving Kids – Questions and answers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Parliamentary Inquiry into Thriving Kids: A Parliamentary inquiry into Thriving Kids was held in October-December 2025. The committee accepted submissions addressing the terms of reference and used a survey to gather community feedback from families and carers about their experiences accessing support services for children with additional needs.

The findings from the inquiry will help develop Thriving Kids.

Read the Parliamentary Inquiry Report into Thriving Kids here: No child left behind – Parliament of Australia