Thriving Kids: Your guide to the roll out and state services

As of 1 October 2026, the roll out of Thriving Kids officially began. Although it's still in the early stages, this roll out represents a big change for many families.

Thriving Kids is built on a national model, but each state and territory will have its own version. So, how will it work and what changes can you expect?

Keep reading for updates on what each state and territory is doing and where you can find more information.

What is Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids is a new service for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or Autism who require "low to moderate" support.

It's designed as an alternative to the NDIS with the aim to provide children and their families access to information, advice and support without needing a formal diagnosis or knowing exactly what kind of support is needed.

What does Thriving Kids mean for NDIS support?

The roll out of Thriving Kids is still in the early stages, so there is no need to worry about any immediate changes to your child's NDIS support. Here's a quick overview of what you need to know about the implementation of Thriving Kids and how it relates to the NDIS:

• The first phase of Thriving Kids started on 1 October 2026, and supports will continue to grow over time, with full implementation expected by 1 January 2028.
• The federal government has said the current NDIS eligibility reassessment processes will stay in place until Thriving Kids is fully rolled out in January 2028.
• Access to the NDIS will remain unchanged until January 2028.
  

What is my state or territory doing?

Thriving Kids will be delivered at a state and territory level. Right now, there's very little detail available, but here is what we know so far about the roll out in each jurisdiction:

ACT

Following a public consultation, the ACT has developed a roadmap to deliver its Thriving Kids services. The territory has said it'll work with stakeholders to progressively roll out a range of supports, including: playgroups, peer support, therapy, and information to help individuals understand what services are available and how to access them.

For families with questions about their child's development, they can now call the Thriving Kids ACT Information and Navigation phone line on (02) 6205 5500 for advice.

For more information, visit the ACT Government's Thriving Kids website.

NSW

Some services are currently available for families in NSW, with a wider range of early intervention supports being released from January 2027. This will include things like: supported playgroups, parenting programs, peer support for families, carers and kin, information and advice about child development and help finding and connecting with services.

Short term Allied health support will also be available in 2027 for children who need extra help to work towards their goals.

You can find out more information on NSW Government's Thriving Kids website.

NT

There is limited information available on how Thriving Kids will be delivered in the territory, however its government says the development and roll out of Thriving Kids will be shaped in consultation with families, communities and the sector.

You can find out more about the recent consultations and the roll out of Thriving Kids in the Northern Territory on the government website.

Qld

Queensland hasn't formally signed up to the Thriving Kids program. So if you're in the sunshine state, it's a game of "watch this space".

SA

The South Australian government plans to enhance delivery of playgroups, peer-support groups and other innovative options.

Notably, SA intends to allocate 70-80% of its Thriving Kids funding to targeted supports, the highest proportion of any state or territory. The commissioning of targeted supports will begin in early 2027, with roll out expected by the end of year.

A Thriving Kids Ministerial Forum is expected to be established to give families, early childhood and disability providers, and peak bodies input into the design and rolling out supports.

You can find more information on the South Australian government's website.

Tas

The Tasmanian Government held consultations earlier this year and has released a manual on 'How Thriving Kids Will Work' in Tassie, which is very much in tune with the federal government's model. You can find out more on the Tasmanian Government's website.

Vic

The Victorian government said it'll progressively introduce Thriving Kids supports and services across the state, starting with several initiatives that include:

• Two new developmental checks for all children - one before kinder, and one before school - which will be completed by allied health professionals and trained clinicians.
• Access to the Advocating for Children with Disability Support line
• Strengthening Parent Support program

From January 2027, targeted allied health and support services will initially begin at 6 sites (Bendigo, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Loddon, Maribyrnong and Melton) before expanding to the rest of the state.

You can find more information on the Victorian government's website.

WA

Western Australia has allocated $361 million over five years to Thriving Kids early intervention services, including:

• Information and advice for families, carers and kin
• Family capacity building programs
• Targeted, group and individual therapeutic supports for children

This includes a $52 million grant for organisations to deliver supports that build the capacity of families, strengthen community connections, improve early childhood intervention access, and deliver culturally safe supports.

WA intends to develop Thriving Kids in a way that suits the state's geography, and will consult with Aboriginal-led organisations, plus culturally and linguistically diverse families and service providers.

Like other states, WA is rolling out Thriving Kids progressively between 1 October 2026 and 1 January 2028. The government says it'll also test to see what services are working for families.

You can find more information on Western Australia's government website.

What is the federal government doing?

To learn more about the federal government's strategy for Thriving Kids, the official portal is now live with resources on child development, family support, and professional guidance. Additionally, a range of information and advice services is also available, such as:

• Thriving Kids Autism helpline
• Thriving Kids information and resource hub
  

What's next?

As the implementation of Thriving Kids happens, staying informed is key.

Bookmark our NDIS Updates page, check in with your state or territory official websites via the links above, and reach out to support networks provided if you have questions about your child's support.

We'll continue to track state and territory roadmaps over the coming months, and will keep you updated.