The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is undergoing its most significant reform since it was first introduced. Over the coming months and years, a range of changes will reshape how disability and developmental supports are delivered in Queensland and throughout Australia, including the introduction of a new initiative called Thriving Kids.
While many details are still being developed, we want to share what we know so far and help families understand what these changes may mean.
What is changing?
A key part of the NDIS reforms is the introduction of Foundational Supports.
Foundational Supports are specific supports outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They are in addition to services offered by mainstream systems, like education and health.
Foundational Supports include general supports and targeted supports. Thriving Kids is the foundation supports program for children and will focus on providing developmental supports for eligible children.
While governments have agreed to the overall direction of these reforms, implementation arrangements for Thriving Kids in Queensland are still being developed. This means some details about how Thriving Kids will operate in Queensland are yet to be confirmed.
Xavier is closely monitoring developments and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
What is Thriving Kids?
Thriving Kids is a new support pathway being developed for children aged eight years and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs and their families and carers.
The program is intended to provide children and families with early intervention and developmental supports, practical advice and connections to local services, helping children build upon their skills as early as possible.
While the overall purpose of Thriving Kids has been announced, the Queensland approach is still being developed. This includes how families will access services, which organisations will deliver supports, referral pathways and how services will be coordinated locally.
Importantly, Thriving Kids is not intended to replace the NDIS for children with permanent and significant disability.
Will Thriving Kids replace the NDIS?
No. Thriving will not replace the NDIS for children with permanent and significant disability and children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have substantially reduced functional capacity (high support needs). These children will continue to be supported through the NDIS.
What does this mean for Xavier families?
We understand that any changes to the disability support system can create uncertainty for families.
While there are still details to come, Xavier is closely monitoring the reforms and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
What happens next?
The introduction of Thriving Kids will take time, with further information expected as governments continue designing and implementing the new system.
As more details become available, Xavier will provide updates through our usual communication channels.
As governments continue designing and implementing Thriving Kids, there may be opportunities for families and the disability community to provide feedback. Xavier will also share these opportunities through our communication channels if and when they become available.
If you have questions about your child’s current supports or service arrangements, please continue speaking with the Xavier team. We are here to support families through any changes and ensure children continue receiving the services they need.
