New 'Thriving Kids' Program—Foundational Supports for Children
Announced on 20 August 2025 by Minister Mark Butler, the Thriving Kids program will begin rolling out from 1 July 2026. It is designed to complement the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by building a system of foundational supports across mainstream services such as maternal health, GPs, playgroups, and early childhood education services.
The Infants’ Home supports best practice in early intervention, delivering services where children live, learn and play. We recognise the importances of shaping interventions that meet individual child and family needs. At this stage, it is unclear how Thriving Kids will work at a practical level. While we believe that the program has the potential to strengthen opportunities and supports for children and families, until further details are provided regarding key components such as eligibility, funding, timelines and safeguards, it is uncertain how this may impact families moving forward.
The Infants’ Home assures all families that as this initiative rolls out, we will remain committed to our mission of providing each child and family wrap-around support that recognises and responds to their individual strengths, circumstances and needs.
As a long-standing provider of early childhood education, allied health, and family support services, The Infants’ Home is well-positioned to contribute to the program’s co-design and implementation. We look forward to opportunities to work with government and sector partners to ensure the program reflects the diverse needs of families and delivers equitable outcomes.
Contact: Elizabeth Robinson
Role: Chief Executive Officer