Developed by the Australian Government, in partnership with state and territory governments and alongside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Thriving Kids supports children with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs and their families. 

Targeted supports will gradually roll out from 2027, varying based on jurisdiction and location and all supports will be rolled out by 1 January 2028 when NDIS access changes take place. Children will not need a diagnosis to access support.

What is Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids will provide children and families access to a range of supports, including:

• Information and advice about child development, developmental delay and autism, and help for families to find the right supports.
• Help to identify additional developmental needs early.
• Programs for families that support development with practical tools, advice and connection to other families.
• Goal oriented targeted supports (including allied health) for families and children who have been identified as requiring additional support.

While serving as a national approach, services will range across different communities to reflect existing local programs, systems and where greatest impact is needed. The same goal will be focused nationally: helping children and families access the development-focused support they need.

What do healthcare professionals need to know?

Healthcare professionals play a vital role in supporting families to identify developmental delays and/or autism and connecting them to supports.

The Medicare Healthy Kids Check, a new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) health assessment service, will become available from 1 November 2026, subject to the passage of legislation. This will support GPs to assess children’s health, wellbeing and development at age 3 and connect them to appropriate supports or further assessment where required. Medicare Healthy Kids Check will complement existing child health and development checks, including ones provided under state and territory programs.

A new factsheet has been released for healthcare professionals who work with children and families to understand Thriving Kids with frequently asked questions on support, access, and its impact on current and future practices. As supports rollout, updated information will continue to be provided.