Thriving Kids program begins first stage of rollout
01 Oct 2026
The $2 billion Federal Government program is being matched by participating states and territories. It is part of broader changes aimed at reducing pressure on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Thriving Kids is designed for children aged eight and under who have low to moderate support needs. The program aims to strengthen early support and place primary care at a more central point in child development.
A major change is planned for January 2028. From then, children in this group will no longer receive support through the NDIS and will instead access services through Thriving Kids.
The current rollout is focused on providing families with information, advice and help finding appropriate services.
GPs can now direct families to new online child development resources, a national child development advice line and an autism-specific helpline.
Another change is expected from 1 November, when the Medicare-funded Healthy Kids Check is due to begin. The assessment follows recommendations from a Parliamentary inquiry and the Thriving Kids Advisory Group for a nationally consistent developmental health check.
Dr Tim Jones, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Child and Young Person’s Health and a member of the advisory group, said GPs are likely to receive questions from families as the program develops.
He said general practice has an opportunity to identify children who may need support early and provide care that is connected across different services.
Dr Jones also highlighted changes to Medicare funding, including an expansion of item 139, which may provide greater support for families needing care.
He said three-year-old health checks could also give GPs more time to speak with families, understand their concerns and build trust.
Dr Jones said some early support can involve simple steps within the family, such as improving a child's sleep, encouraging physical activity or supporting reading and writing at home.
He said having these conversations early may help families before concerns become more difficult to manage.
Although Thriving Kids is based on a nationally agreed model, the community services available through the program will differ between states and territories.
The rollout also aims to address gaps identified in the NDIS review. This includes improving access to early support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
More services are expected to be introduced during 2027, including parenting programs, peer support, facilitated playgroups and targeted allied health services.
Dr Jones said general practice had been involved in developing the reforms and that the changes provide an opportunity to strengthen the role of GPs in supporting children and their families.
Thriving Kids program begins first stage of rollout
Source: RACGP / newsGP