11/05/2026
URGENT CALL TO ACTION
The Thriving Kids Initiative is a joint Initiative between the Federal and State governments to remove children aged between 0 to 8 years with mild to moderate developmental delays and Autism off the NDIS (Federally funded supports) onto Thriving Kids (State based supports).
Department of Community and Justice are overseeing this program in NSW. They have announced that government and Non Government not-for-profit organizations will be providing supports under this program and private practices will not be eligible in most cases.
Why is this concerning?
* under NDIS families have CHOICE and control to have their child's needs met using an individualised approach that meets their needs
* in our area the majority of the most experienced practitioners are providing supports through private practices
* there is no clarity for families and providers as yet regarding the definition of mild to moderate.
* early intervention is crucial to maximize neuroplasticity and maximize the potential of the individual. Early Intervention will support improved functional outcomes across the lifespan and decreased need for future supports.
In a society with the resources of Australia our children and families should be able to access practitioners with the knowledge, experience and expertise that they require to best meet their child's needs.
Our children and families deserve the best. This should mean that services are evaluated on their experience, expertise and capacity to deliver the most appropriate quality supports. Excluding private practices from consideration does not ensure quality and experience.
We believe families deserve:
✔️ Choice
✔️ Access to local expertise
✔️ Continuity of care
✔️ The right to work with the providers who best meet their child’s needs
Our children and families deserve better
Email your concerns directly to thrivingkids@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Comment below and we will include examples in our submission to Thriving Kids NSW. or speak with our local members (Federal and State) as this is a joint government initiative.
