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Thriving Kids Program to Begin in Canberra as Families Await Support Details - Canberra, ACT
Smart summary
The ACT will begin the first phase of the Thriving Kids program on October 1, providing developmental support pathways for children while concerns remain about waiting times and how services will operate.
The Australian Capital Territory is preparing to launch the first phase of the Thriving Kids program in Canberra from October 1, 2026, with the ACT Government announcing new support pathways for children experiencing developmental delays.
The program is designed for children aged eight and under who may have developmental delays or autism and have lower to moderate support needs. The ACT Government says families will be able to seek information and assistance without first obtaining a formal diagnosis or referral.
From October 1, families with concerns about a child's development will be able to contact the new Thriving Kids ACT Information and Navigation phone line. The service is intended to provide information, advice and connections to appropriate support services.
The ACT Government has committed an initial $20.3 million over five years to the program. The investment forms part of a combined $63.4 million commitment from the ACT and Commonwealth governments for the first phase of support in the territory.
The rollout is part of a broader national change to the way developmental support for young children is delivered. The federal Thriving Kids model is intended to provide earlier assistance to children who may not require the level of individualised support provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Children with significant and permanent disabilities and higher support needs will remain eligible for the NDIS under the existing arrangements. The ACT Government has also stated that children already accessing the NDIS will not immediately lose that support as the new program begins.
The ACT says the first stage will focus on helping families identify concerns and connect with appropriate services. Additional supports, including allied health services and other developmental assistance, are expected to be progressively introduced.
However, disability advocates have raised questions about how quickly families will be able to access practical services. Autism Awareness Australia chief executive Nicole Rogerson said more information was needed about what families would receive after making initial contact with the program.
The ACT Government says the program is intended to provide families with a clearer pathway and allow children to receive assistance earlier, including before a formal diagnosis is completed. Officials have described the information and navigation service as an initial point of contact for parents and carers.
The broader national rollout is expected to continue in stages, with the full Thriving Kids model scheduled to be implemented by January 2028. The program is being introduced alongside planned changes to NDIS access arrangements.
For Canberra families, October 1 will therefore mark the beginning of the ACT's first phase of the new support system. Further details about available services and how families will move through the program are expected as the rollout develops.
The ACT Government has said families can contact the new service even when they do not have a formal diagnosis or referral, providing an entry point for parents who have concerns about their child's development.
FamiliesSupportProgramWillChildren
The Australian Capital Territory is preparing to launch the first phase of the Thriving Kids program in Canberra from October 1, 2026, with the ACT Government announcing new support pathways for children experiencing developmental delays.
The program is designed for children aged eight and under who may have developmental delays or autism and have lower to moderate support needs. The ACT Government says families will be able to seek information and assistance without first obtaining a formal diagnosis or referral.
From October 1, families with concerns about a child's development will be able to contact the new Thriving Kids ACT Information and Navigation phone line. The service is intended to provide information, advice and connections to appropriate support services.
The ACT Government has committed an initial $20.3 million over five years to the program. The investment forms part of a combined $63.4 million commitment from the ACT and Commonwealth governments for the first phase of support in the territory.
The rollout is part of a broader national change to the way developmental support for young children is delivered. The federal Thriving Kids model is intended to provide earlier assistance to children who may not require the level of individualised support provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Children with significant and permanent disabilities and higher support needs will remain eligible for the NDIS under the existing arrangements. The ACT Government has also stated that children already accessing the NDIS will not immediately lose that support as the new program begins.
The ACT says the first stage will focus on helping families identify concerns and connect with appropriate services. Additional supports, including allied health services and other developmental assistance, are expected to be progressively introduced.
However, disability advocates have raised questions about how quickly families will be able to access practical services. Autism Awareness Australia chief executive Nicole Rogerson said more information was needed about what families would receive after making initial contact with the program.
The ACT Government says the program is intended to provide families with a clearer pathway and allow children to receive assistance earlier, including before a formal diagnosis is completed. Officials have described the information and navigation service as an initial point of contact for parents and carers.
The broader national rollout is expected to continue in stages, with the full Thriving Kids model scheduled to be implemented by January 2028. The program is being introduced alongside planned changes to NDIS access arrangements.
For Canberra families, October 1 will therefore mark the beginning of the ACT's first phase of the new support system. Further details about available services and how families will move through the program are expected as the rollout develops.
The ACT Government has said families can contact the new service even when they do not have a formal diagnosis or referral, providing an entry point for parents who have concerns about their child's development.
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