Thriving Kids Connect WA

Thriving Kids is an initiative announced by the Commonwealth Government that includes investment in new supports for children aged 0-8 years with developmental delay and or autism with low to moderate support needs.

The State Budget includes $361 million in joint funding over the five years for Thriving Kids family-focused early intervention services delivered in a range of community settings.

The Western Australian (WA) Government is committed to building safe and inclusive communities, and throughout 2026 engaged with and listened to families, disability organisations and the services sector to further design the WA Thriving Kids approach.

In WA, our 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’s easier to reach, community-based and built around the family. Importantly, families won’t need a diagnosis to get help.

1 October 2026 marks the commencement of the first phase of Thriving Kids, not the full implementation of the service.

The initial phase will focus on testing and learning, helping us to understand what works best for children, young people and families. Insights gained during this period will inform the design, refinement and commissioning of future Thriving Kids services across WA.

This phased approach allows Thriving Kids to respond to Western Australian family needs as the system matures, leading up to full roll out from January 2028.

The WA Government has commissioned Uplyft to provide a state-based, dedicated information, advice and navigation service known as Thriving Kids Connect WA.

Thriving Kids Connect WA is designed to:

• listen to parents, carers, and kin to understand their concerns and what matters to their child and family
• provide information and advice about their child’s development
• explain options and help families understand the types of support that may be available
• identify appropriate services and supports based on the child and family’s needs and circumstances
• connect families with relevant services, including through referrals or warm connection to another service and provide additional help to navigate between services when needed.

Please visit Uplyft for more information on Thriving Kids Connect WA or call 1300 WA KIDS (1300 925 437).

Services, providers, referral pathways, and support options will be progressively introduced and expanded throughout 2027, with full implementation anticipated from January 2028.

For more information on supports becoming available, visit our Thriving Kids Family and Children Support Program page.