Thriving Kids in Victoria: the independent guide

Let's start with the basics

If you're wondering what Thriving Kids means for your family, here's the starting point. It's a planned Australian Government approach to helping children with developmental concerns earlier, through familiar health, education and community services. In Victoria, a staged rollout is expected from late 2026 and will continue into 2028. The NDIS continues alongside it, particularly for children with higher support needs.

Who it is intended for

Current published guidance says it is intended for children with developmental concerns, delays and mild to moderate support needs, and their families. Government decides who can access the program, not this website. Always check the official guidance for your child's situation.

Expected rollout dates

The dates to keep in mind are a staged start from October 2026, more services developing through 2026-2027, and full rollout expected by January 2028. That doesn't mean everything will be available on day one, and these dates may change.

How Victoria may implement it

In Victoria, the idea is to build on services your family may already know, such as maternal and child health, early childhood education and primary care. The details of how services will work locally are still being worked through.

Support types being discussed

So what might the help look like? Published information points to guidance for parents, group programs and allied health supports closer to home.

• Information, guidance and parent capability supports
• Group and community programs
• Allied health supports delivered through mainstream settings
• Navigation help to find the right service

How to access support

The access details are still being finalised. You can still talk with your GP, maternal and child health nurse, kinder or school about any concerns now. You can also search independent providers here for free.

What is known vs still being developed

We know the overall aim, the staged timeframe and the continuing role of the NDIS for higher support needs. We're still waiting for more detail on eligibility, the services available, provider arrangements and how referrals will work in Victoria.

Relationship with the NDIS

Thriving Kids and the NDIS are separate. Current government messaging says children with high or complex support needs are expected to continue receiving NDIS support. If you're unsure what this means for your child, check current official advice before changing any supports.

Who we're not?

We are not a government website, and we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Australian Government or any government department or agency.

Official sources

• Victorian Government Thriving Kids information
• Australian Government Thriving Kids information
• NDIS / NDIA published material

Disclaimer

TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.

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