What the new “Thriving Kids” reforms mean for families and the NDIS
On 29 January 2026, National Cabinet agreed to major changes that will shape how children and families access support over the next few years. These reforms include new NDIS sustainability targets and a new national program called Thriving Kids.
At Can Support, we know that any change to the NDIS can feel stressful. This article explains what’s been announced in plain language, what it could mean for your family, and how we can support you through the transition.
A quick overview of the changes
National Cabinet has agreed on:
A long‑term plan to keep the NDIS sustainable, including targets for how fast NDIS costs can grow each year.
A new national program, Thriving Kids, which will deliver “foundational supports” for children with developmental delay, autism and disability who have low to moderate support needs.
Clear timeframes for when Thriving Kids will start and how children will transition between Thriving Kids and the NDIS.
The aim is to protect the NDIS for people with permanent and significant disability, while building stronger supports in the community for children who need early help but may not need the full NDIS.
What is Thriving Kids?
Thriving Kids is a new national program designed to provide earlier, more local supports for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay, autism or disability who have low to moderate support needs.
Key points:
It is part of a $2 billion national investment in “foundational supports” for children, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.4 billion and states and territories matching funding.
It will focus on practical, everyday supports closer to where children live and learn, such as in early childhood services, schools and community settings.
It is intended to reduce pressure on the NDIS by creating strong support options outside the Scheme for children who do not have high or complex needs.
Government and sectors are still finalising the detailed service models in each state and territory.
Timeline: when is this happening?
National Cabinet has confirmed the following timeframes:
Thriving Kids will start from 1 October 2026 (delayed from an original July date to give more time for preparation).
It will be fully rolled out by 1 January 2028.
During this time, governments will phase in access to Thriving Kids and adjust NDIS access and reassessment arrangements for children.
This means there is no immediate change to your existing NDIS plan, but there will be a staged transition over the next two years for some children.
Who stays in the NDIS – and who may move to Thriving Kids?
The reforms draw a clearer line between children who will remain in the NDIS and those who will be supported through Thriving Kids.
Children who remain eligible for the NDIS:
Children with a permanent and significant disability.
Children with developmental delay and/or autism who have high support needs.
Children who will progressively access supports through Thriving Kids:
From 1 October 2026, children with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs will be supported through Thriving Kids instead of entering (or remaining in) the NDIS.
Children already in the NDIS:
Children aged 8 and under who are already NDIS participants before 1 January 2028 will continue under the current reassessment rules during the transition period.
Any changes to their access or supports will be made through normal NDIS review processes, not overnight.
What this could mean for you and your child
Exactly how these changes affect you will depend on your child’s age, diagnosis and level of need, but some common scenarios include:
Families of children with high and complex needs should continue to expect NDIS access and funding, with ongoing work to keep plans sustainable and well‑targeted.
Families of children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism may see more services delivered through Thriving Kids and community settings, rather than through individual NDIS plans.
Some families may move between Thriving Kids and the NDIS over time as children’s needs change, or as reassessments are completed.
It will be crucial that children do not “fall through the cracks” as supports move between systems – this is a key concern raised by sector organisations and advocates.
How Can Support can help
Changes like Thriving Kids often create uncertainty for families and providers. At Can Support, our role is to walk alongside you so you can stay focused on your child, not the paperwork.
Here’s how we can support you through these reforms:
Explaining your options
We can help you understand whether your child is likely to remain in the NDIS or be supported through Thriving Kids, and what that means in practical terms for therapies, equipment and day‑to‑day supports.Preparing for reviews and reassessments
We can work with you and your therapy team to gather evidence, prepare reports and clearly document your child’s support needs for upcoming NDIS reassessments or transitions into Thriving Kids.Coordinating across systems
Our coordinators can help you navigate the interface between health, education, community services, the NDIS and Thriving Kids, reducing duplication and helping to avoid gaps in support.Advocating for continuity of support
We will keep a close eye on implementation details in NSW and advocate to ensure children and families remain at the centre of decisions, with continuity of essential supports during any transition.