Released 30/09/2026 - Joint media release
Children up to eight years old will be able to access developmental support sooner, without a formal diagnosis or referral, when the ACT launches Thriving Kids on 1 October 2026.
Backed by an initial $20.3 million investment over five years, and part of a $63.4 million joint ACT and Commonwealth investment, the first phase of Thriving Kids will expand access to developmental supports and allied health services across the Territory.
From 1 October, ACT families with questions or concerns about their child's development can call the new Thriving Kids ACT Information and Navigation phone line (02 6205 5500) for information, advice and connections to support services, without needing a formal diagnosis or referral.
These reforms will mean children and families can access support earlier, improving developmental, wellbeing and participation outcomes.
As part of this first phase of Thriving Kids in the ACT, the ACT Government is investing in a range of supports that will be progressively rolled out, including:
- Expanding targeted therapeutic supports – time-limited allied health therapy and functional assessments delivered through our Child Development Service and with new clinical and allied health staff.
- New intake, referral and navigation services – to help families understand their child’s needs, access appropriate supports and undertake developmental screening delivered in local Child and Family Centres.
- Additional playgroups and parenting supports – strengthening existing services and working with the sector to deliver new ones specifically for families of children with autism.
- Targeted services for priority cohorts – including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and for culturally and linguistically diverse children and families.
- Community awareness initiatives – to improve understanding of developmental delay and neurodivergence.
Thriving Kids is part of nationally agreed reforms designed to strengthen supports available to children and families in their communities, alongside existing services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
In line with the national reforms, full implementation of Thriving Kids will be staged in the lead-up to 1 January 2028.
Importantly, there are no changes to NDIS access arrangements for children before that time, and children already enrolled in the NDIS will continue to receive support under existing arrangements. Children with permanent and significant disability, and children who meet NDIS eligibility requirements, will also continue to access support through the NDIS.
The ACT Government will continue working with the Australian Government, service providers and the disability, health and education sectors to identify gaps and strengthen supports for children and families as Thriving Kids is progressively rolled out through to 2028.
Families seeking information about Thriving Kids can visit the Thriving Kids website or contact 02 6205 5500.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Child Development and Wellbeing Rachel Stephen-Smith:
“Every child is different and all deserve to be set up from the start for the brightest possible future so they can thrive.
“Thriving Kids is the next step in building a network of services that will enable children and families to get the support they need earlier – because we know early support has the biggest impact on their learning and development.
“From birth to primary school, Thriving Kids will make the system easier for families to navigate and provide more timely access to information, assessment and therapy.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Suzanne Orr:
"Every child learns and develops differently, and every family’s experience is unique.
"Thriving Kids is about helping families find the right support, at the right time, and in the right place.
“We want children and families to be able to access support early, before challenges become bigger concerns. Thriving Kids will provide a place to start when families, carers and kin have concerns about their child’s development and are not sure where to turn for support.
"Importantly, families will not need a diagnosis or referral to begin that conversation.
“We acknowledge these changes will impact many families, carers and kin of children who need developmental support. Thriving Kids is a new approach to early intervention and represents an important step towards to making support easier to access and navigate.
“We will continue working closely with the sector, including referrers and service providers, as we roll out Thriving Kids over the coming months."
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases