Thriving Kids: A quick summary

Last week, the Australian Government announced the first stage of the Thriving Kids rollout. 

Thriving Kids is an Australian Government and state-partnered foundational support initiative to provide early intervention and community-based assistance for children aged 8 and under who have developmental delays or autism with low-to-moderate support needs. Thriving Kids has been adopted in all Australian states except Queensland.

 The rollout is expected to take up to 18 months. We know these changes may affect some families who use OTFC services.

These changes may feel overwhelming. We are here to support families and participants so they can continue to access the support they need. We will also help families understand the changes.

We know there’s a lot to wrap your head around, so we’ve gathered all the key details about Thriving Kids into a summary for you.

 

What we know

• There are no changes to NDIS eligibility before 1 January 2028. 
  Children can continue accessing NDIS early intervention supports as they currently do until that time.
• From January 2028, children aged under 8 years with developmental delay and/or autism, who have low to moderate support needs, are expected to access support through Thriving Kids and other mainstream services rather than the NDIS.
• Children with significant and permanent disability, including children with developmental delay or autism who have higher support needs and substantial functional impacts, are expected to remain eligible for the NDIS under the usual criteria.
• As Thriving Kids supports become available over 2026-2027, some families may choose to access these earlier.
  
   

What does the Thriving Kids rollout look like?

October 2026

• Introduction of the Thriving Kids National Phone Line.
  Families can speak with a maternal and child health nurse to get expert information and advice about all childhood development and behaviour of children aged 8 and under. Ph: 1800 882 436

• Introduction of the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline (with Amaze). 
  Specifically for Caregivers, carers and professionals seeking Autism specific support.  This service is for information, guidance and support if they have concerns about a child's development, have noticed a developmental difference or delay, or if a child is Autistic or may be Autistic. Ph: 1300 654 789
• Introduction of online Thriving Kids Information and Resource Hub.
  Website: www.health.gov.au/thrivingkids

November 2026

• Introduction of a Medicare-funded 3-Year-Old Developmental Health Check. The new health check offers Medicare-eligible 3-year-old’s access to a tailored health assessment via their GP. This aims to offer families a better understanding of their child’s development and identify support needs earlier.

Late 2026 and throughout 2027 Thriving Kids will provide:

• Additional information, resources, workforce training and support pathways.
• Gradual rollout of broader supports, including parenting programs, peer supports and allied health supports.
  
   

What remains unclear

At this stage, the biggest unanswered question is what funding and support pathways will look like for children currently accessing NDIS funding, who are under 9 years of age and have low to moderate support needs, falling into the Thriving Kids bracket. 
 

Come 1 January 2028, it appears there will be a transition process, with eligibility reviews and transition planning expected to occur over time. Exactly how this will affect individual families, and what replacement allied health supports will look like in practice, remains unclear.