Thriving Kids begins phased roll out across WA to support children and families

The national Thriving Kids program is underway in Western Australia, with the commencement of Thriving Kids Connect WA on 1 October 2026.

This new information, advice and navigation service and the broader Thriving Kids initiative will support children aged up to eight years with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, along with their families, carers and kin.

WA’s Thriving Kids is backed by a $361 million joint Commonwealth and State Government investment over five years. The program aims to strengthen families, build community connections and support children's participation in everyday life through accessible, community-based services.

Thriving Kids Connect WA is a ‘no wrong door’ entry point for families, carers and kin seeking support.

It will be delivered by not-for-profit organisation Uplyft (formerly Wanslea) to help families access child development and autism services, Thriving Kids providers and broader existing health, education, community and NDIS supports.

When a family contacts this free statewide phone and online service, an experienced Navigator will listen to what is happening for the child and family and provide information, advice, options and connections to appropriate supports to best meet their needs.

These supports may be facilitated through Thriving Kids WA-funded providers or other existing services in the health, mental health, education or community sectors.

Thriving Kids Connect WA will also be able to help families with strategies that can be implemented immediately. This approach aims to build the awareness, knowledge and confidence of families and carers to support their child’s development at home and in other everyday settings.

This may include ideas to support communication, play, behaviour, social interaction, daily routines, participation and learning within the home and community.

Thriving Kids Connect WA will also refer children to the National Disability Insurance Scheme when children have higher support needs.

Up to 1 January 2028, families and children can still seek to join the NDIS and access supports through the scheme. Children who access the NDIS prior to 1 January 2028 will remain “grandfathered” in the scheme until they turn 9, subject to normal reassessment.

Families can contact Thriving Kids Connect WA themselves or be connected through someone they already know and trust, such as a GP, community health professional, disability service, educator or another Thriving Kids WA service.

Other Thriving Kids services will begin rolling out in WA later in 2026 and throughout 2027, with the broader roll out continuing in stages through to 1 January 2028 to improve access to support and service navigation for families across Western Australia.

For more information about Thriving Kids in WA, visit our Thriving Kids Engagement webpage.