Introduction
The Thriving Kids initiative marks one of the most significant changes in early-childhood disability support in recent years in Australia. Launched by the federal government to address rising numbers of young children entering the NDIS with developmental delays and autism, it aims to provide more timely, targeted supports for children aged eight and under.
For families, participants and plan-managers like us at Enabled Care, it’s important to understand how this new pathway could impact current plans, future ones, and how supports are organised.
What is Thriving Kids?
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The program is focused on children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism who may not meet the threshold for full NDIS access.
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It has a budget commitment of around $2 billion over five years, beginning 1 July 2026.
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Thriving Kids is designed to work through mainstream and community settings (for example early childhood centres, maternal & child health services, schools, GPs) rather than only via NDIS-type individual plan packages.
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Importantly: children already in the NDIS with significant or permanent disability will continue to be supported under the NDIS. The new program is designed to complement and reduce future pressure on the NDIS.
Why Was It Created?
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The number of children under 9 entering the NDIS has grown significantly, placing pressure on scheme costs and resources.
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Many children with lower support needs were entering the NDIS (via early intervention streams) when alternative, less complex support pathways may have been more appropriate.
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The government and sector stakeholders have called for earlier, more accessible supports delivered in mainstream settings — to intervene sooner, reduce delays, and help children develop stronger foundational skills.
How Might It Impact Current NDIS Participants (especially children)?
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If a child is already on an NDIS plan because of significant or permanent disability, this will continue unaffected. The transition is not immediate or retrospective.
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For children with mild to moderate needs who are not yet eligible for the NDIS, the introduction of Thriving Kids means there may be a different pathway in the future — perhaps with supports via mainstream services rather than full NDIS plans.
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Families should be aware of possible changes to how early-childhood supports are delivered, including:
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More emphasis on early identification and intervention through community/health settings
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Less of a reliance on large individual packages for children with lower levels of need
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Potential future eligibility rule changes for the NDIS (though details are still emerging)
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As a Plan Manager, Enabled Care will monitor any changes closely and support families to understand how their child’s plan may need to evolve (e.g., if a plan review is needed, or if new supports via Thriving Kids become relevant).
What Should Families & Plan-Managed Participants Do Now?
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Stay informed: Keep an eye on announcements around Thriving Kids roll-out, eligibility rules, and how it might work in your state/territory.
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Speak to your provider and plan-manager: If your child is in early childhood supports, ask how their services could align with the new program (or if they are preparing for change).
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Focus on outcomes and goals: Regardless of the scheme, what matters most is the child’s development, progress and use of funding to support goals. Ensure your plan reflects this.
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Budget and support oversight: As your Plan Manager, Enabled Care can help you review your supports, track spending, and prepare for changes (e.g., review requests) should the transition path affect your child.
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Seek advice early: If you’re unsure whether the child might be eligible for future alternate supports (or remain under NDIS), talk to us or your coordinator so we can help map a plan-management strategy.
Our Commitment at Enabled Care
At Enabled Care, we recognise that systemic changes like Thriving Kids can create uncertainty for families. That’s why we commit to:
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Providing clear, timely updates to our participants and their families about relevant policy changes
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Monitoring support budgets and ensuring funding is used to maximum benefit
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Helping with plan reviews or understanding eligibility shifts should they arise
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Ensuring your supports continue seamlessly, even during transition phases
Conclusion
The Thriving Kids program represents an important shift in Australia’s disability and early-intervention landscape. For children with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism, it may offer new pathways of support in coming years. For those already under the NDIS, especially with significant disability, the impact may be less direct but still worth understanding. As your Plan Manager, Enabled Care is here to help you navigate these changes, protect your funding, and ensure your child’s goals remain central.
