Thriving Kids Victoria

Thriving Kids Victoria

Thriving Kids is a new system of disability supports being implemented in stages from October 2026, for children 8 years and under with developmental delay or autism with low to moderate support needs. It is funded by the Commonwealth and state governments.

If your child accesses existing supports

Eligible children and families will continue to receive supports under existing systems.

Children with permanent and significant disability or high support needs will continue to access NDIS for their support needs.

A staged implementation

The Victorian Government is working to introduce Thriving Kids in Victoria in accordance with the timeline set by the Commonwealth Government. The first supports will be in place from October 2026, with additional supports introduced over time. The full range of services will be in place from 1 January 2028.

In Victoria, we are bringing together our nation-leading Maternal Child Health system and early childhood education and care with new state-led support for children from birth to eight.

In addition to MCH Key Ages and Stages visits, Thriving Kids will provide for the implementation of two new developmental assessments for all children - one before kinder, and one before school.

This will help ensure that any developmental delay is picked up early, and that all children and families can get the support they need for success at kinder and at school.

Victoria will also develop a range of allied health and support services through Thriving Kids which will operate where children live, learn and play.

This will help children build on their strengths, gain independence and develop the skills they need for everyday life.

We know parents, carers and families are a child’s first teachers. Thriving Kids will connect families with professional supports and peers. There will also be information and advice on child development, and help provided so children and families have the right supports at the right time.

Building and growing together

Victoria recognises the significant input of parents and carers, early childhood professionals, disability organisations, health services and the community sector in shaping the Thriving Kids model.

We will continue to engage with the community and the National Disability Insurance Agency as we design and deliver Thriving Kids.

How Thriving Kids came about

The Commonwealth Government and all state and territory governments agreed to support the implementation of Thriving Kids following the Independent Review of the NDIS.

Thriving Kids reflects Victoria’s commitment to ensuring families and children can access the right supports for their development at the right time.

Further information

If you have any questions about Thriving Kids as it rolls out in Victoria, please email thriving.kids@education.vic.gov.au

The Commonwealth Government has published information about Thriving Kids on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.