- Phased rollout of Thriving Kids WA commences today
- Information and navigation service to be known as Thriving Kids
Connect WA to be delivered by Uplyft
- Thriving Kids services will continue to progressively roll out until
1 January 2028
- Cook Labor Government putting WA first and building safe and
inclusive communities
Western Australian families will have easier access to support for
children with developmental delay and/or autism from today, with the commencement
of the roll out of Thriving Kids in Western Australia.
Through a joint $361 million investment from the Commonwealth and Cook
Labor Government over five years, Thriving Kids will deliver accessible,
community-based supports for children aged 0-8 years with developmental delay
and/or autism with low to moderate support needs, and their families, carers,
and kin.
While guided by nationally agreed principles, Western Australia's
approach is focused on building family strengths, increasing community
connections, and supporting child development and participation in everyday
life.
The program will offer support that is easier to reach, community-based,
and built around the family. Importantly, families will not need a diagnosis to
get help.
The first new service to launch is Thriving Kids Connect WA, providing
families and carers with free information, advice, and practical strategies regarding
child development and autism.
Delivered by Uplyft (formerly Wanslea), this service offers immediate
support via phone and online channels, helping families access information,
resources, and guidance when they need it. The service will be available from 1
October 2026.
Thriving Kids Connect WA will also help families navigate the broader
service system and connect with additional Thriving Kids supports as they are
progressively rolled out across Western Australia, alongside relevant health,
mental health, education, community, and National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS) services.
Children can still seek to access early intervention supports through
the NDIS during the transition period, and participants will remain
grandfathered in the scheme until they turn nine, subject to normal
reassessment.
Applications for the Cook Labor Government's $52 million Thriving Kids
Family and Children Support Grant Program closed yesterday. Successful organisations
will deliver culturally safe early childhood support services that build family
strengths, improve community connections, and increase access to high-quality
early intervention. The funded services are expected to commence in early 2027.
The broader Thriving Kids program will be rolled out progressively
across WA from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2028, with additional Thriving
Kids-funded supports commencing over the next 14 months.
The program represents a significant investment in supporting eligible children
and ensuring families can access the right support, at the right time, close to
where they live.
Families can access Thriving Kids Connect WA via phone, email, online
enquiry or face-to-face in some locations.
The
telephone service - 1300 WA KIDS (1300 925 437) - is the simplest and most
accessible way for families to speak directly with an experienced team member.
For more information visit www.thrivingkidsconnectwa.org
Comments attributed to Disability
Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to ensuring children with
developmental delay and autism, and their families, can access the support they
need, close to home.
"Thriving Kids Connect WA gives families a dedicated place to seek
advice, access resources, and connect with support early.
"This reform will make it easier for families to navigate services and
get help sooner, while working alongside existing health, education, and NDIS
supports.
"Western Australia is investing in the delivery of Thriving Kids, and
today's launch is an important first step in improving outcomes for children
and families.
"Uplyft has a strong track record of supporting children and families
and will play a key role in the successful rollout of the program."
Comments attributed to Uplyft CEO Jo Sadler:
"Uplyft is excited to work with the State Government to deliver Thriving
Kids Connect WA.
"Our phone and web-based service will provide information, guidance, and
support to help families and carers understand available options, find
appropriate services, and navigate the next step.
"Uplyft has over 80 years of experience delivering high-quality supports
and services to young Western Australians.
"Our team will listen to
families who have children 0-8 with developmental delay or autism with low to
moderate needs, to provide clear information and advice, and to help them
navigate the supports available."
