Thriving Kids
⚠️ Content Note
This page discusses the government’s targeted foundational support Thriving Kids program. It contains references to trauma, fear, loss of supports, ableism and suicide.
Community concerns about Thriving Kids
The government’s Thriving Kids program was announced by Disability Minister Mark Butler on 20 August as a targeted NDIS alternative for some children with developmental delay and autism under nine. It will launch in July 2026, with access changes to the NDIS kicking in from mid-2027.
Following the announcement, CYDA surveyed 1535 parents, caregivers, and young people with disability to get their thoughts on the new initiative. We heard that nearly four in five (79%) believed the rollout was too rushed and risked seeing children with disability falling through the cracks without any support.
CYDA is a member of the government’s Thriving Kids Advisory Group and is campaigning to make sure the program will work to meet the needs of children and young people with disability and their families or caregivers.
Read the survey factsheet
This factsheet contains preliminary findings and recommendations from CYDA’s Thriving Kids survey, conducted between 27 August and 10 September 2025.
Key issues raised
In CYDA’s survey, young people with disability and parents or caregivers shared several concerns about Thriving Kids.
- Four in five said the rollout deadline was too short and did not give enough time for co-design and review
- More than 70% wanted guaranteed supports or for existing supports to continue
- More than three in four were worried, 51% were confused, and others felt stressed and even suicidal
- Many believed the Thriving Kids announcement demonstrated ableism and a limited understanding of neurodivergence
These concerns reflect a need for alternative supports to be effective, properly co-designed and fully functional before any child is removed from the NDIS.
To do otherwise is to risk children falling through the cracks and losing access to essential and life-changing supports completely.
"More kids are going to fall through cracks, adding even more strain onto families that are already struggling."
Suggestions for supports
Many survey respondents had constructive ideas for making sure Thriving Kids would be effective and supportive.
- The most common suggestions for supports that should be included were occupational therapy (97%), speech therapy (96%), psychology (90%), and physical therapy (86%).
- Respondents said Thriving Kids should be tailored to individual and diverse needs, be neuroaffirming, and provide choice and control, among other things.
- Parents were wary of being left with more responsibility and less support, calling for financial assurances and guidance.
When asked how Thriving Kids should work, survey participants were aligned, calling for everything from more resourcing for schools to accesssible consultation and co-design.
For a detailed overview of their suggestions, download CYDA’s full Survey Factsheet.
"The program is not evidence-based and not co-designed with families. Shouldn't we get a right to say what supports suit our children?
Calls to action
Based on the voices of more than 1500 young people and families, CYDA is calling on the government to:
Guarantee no child falls through the cracks of the support ecosystem.
Provide adequate time for co-design and evidence-based supports.
Build on and strengthen existing supports that work.
Listen to what the community says is effective.
Ensure independent oversight of new supports.
These changes are essential to develop a disability supports system that genuinely meets the needs of children and young people with disability and their families or caregivers.
Support is available
Reading about Thriving Kids may bring up strong feelings. You’re not alone, and help is available.
If you or someone you know is in distress or needs support, please contact:
Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental health support)
Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 (support for carers)
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (for children and young people aged 5–25)
13YARN – 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 24/7)