TL;DR (Helpful Content first)
– Thriving Kids: $2b foundational supports program for children with mild–moderate autism/developmental delay.
– Phased transition from 1 July 2026, full eligibility changes by mid-2027.
– Aim: keep NDIS focused on permanent disability, while expanding mainstream supports.
– Expect co-funding with states/territories; detailed design is underway.
– Families should review current plans, collect evidence, and prepare for transitions.
Why this matters now
NDIS participation by children has grown rapidly, raising sustainability questions and prompting a “right supports, right system” push. The Thriving Kids model is designed to serve children whose needs are better met by foundational supports—community, education, health, parenting programs, and allied health—instead of individual NDIS packages. This allows the NDIS to stay focused on significant and permanent disability.
What will actually change (and when)
1) Thriving Kids — scope and purpose
Targets: children with mild–moderate autism or developmental delay.
Supports: delivered via GPs, schools, childcare, and community organisations; focus on accessible, early help.
2) Timeline
- 1 July 2026: Transition period where families may move to Thriving Kids.
- By mid-2027: Full eligibility changes for new entrants. Existing participants transition via reviews.
3) Relationship to Foundational Supports
Thriving Kids is part of the broader Foundational Supports work program being co-designed with states/territories. Staged rollout and local variations will apply.
What this means for families
If your child has mild–moderate needs: Thriving Kids may be the main pathway, with earlier, easier supports. If your child has complex needs: NDIS remains the route, but you must prepare clear clinical and functional evidence for reviews.
Step-by-step: how to prepare (parents’ checklist)
1) Audit your current plan — review start/end dates, goals, and therapy supports; collect diagnostic and functional reports.
2) Map two pathways — (a) NDIS pathway with evidence, (b) Thriving Kids/community pathway with local supports and parenting programs.
3) Talk to providers — align therapy goals with participation outcomes, request plain-English progress measures.
4) Watch for consultations — sign up for updates and provide input as designs finalise in 2025.
5) Respond quickly to reviews — attach assessments, progress data, and weekly routines to show how supports reduce risks.
Mini case example
Amaya (6), level 1 autism, language within age range, challenges with transitions and peer play. Current plan: 2x/month therapy + parent coaching; school support via adjustments. Transition: Continue parent coaching and school collaboration, add a community social-skills group and routine short course under Thriving Kids. If school distress spikes, escalate assessment for NDIS eligibility.
FAQs
- Will my child be removed from the NDIS?
Not automatically. Transition applies mainly to new/lower-needs cases, with reviews guiding placement.
- When does Thriving Kids start?
Transition begins 1 July 2026; full rollout mid-2027.
- What supports count as foundational?
Parent coaching, peer groups, short courses, navigation workers, low-intensity allied health in community settings.
- How do I strengthen my case if my child needs the NDIS?
Use functional evidence, link therapy to outcomes, and keep home/school logs.
About Careable (Author/Publisher)
Careable is an NDIS-registered provider in Melbourne specialising in psychosocial disability and neurodiversity supports, including Supported Independent Living (SIL), in-home supports, community access, and parent coaching. Our C.A.R.E. values—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment—guide every interaction.
Contact: 1300 DECIDE · cx@careable.com.au
