The Department of Communities (Communities) has been engaging with children and young people, families, disability representative organisations, Aboriginal communities and the disability sector to inform the approach to Thriving Kids in WA.
In 2024, we convened two workshops to inform the planning the WA approach to what was then known as Foundational Supports for children under 9 years with developmental concern, delay and disability and their caregivers. This included an interagency workshop in April and a non-government organisation, peak body and advocacy organisation workshop in May 2024.
In 2025, we undertook some targeted discussions WA Non-Government Organisations to test early thinking about the emerging WA approach and to understand existing services being provided that would align with future delivery of support to this group of children and their families.
In January 2026, the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability partnered with People with Disability WA to engage with children and young people, families, Disability Representative and Advocacy Organisations, and Aboriginal people to provide advice to the Minister for Disability Services on community perspectives in response to the Commonwealth’s announcement on Thriving Kids.
An online sector briefing was held on Thursday 7 May 2026.
- A recording of the briefing is available to view.
- You can download a transcript of the briefing (PDF, 399KB).
From May to June 2026, we delivered a Thriving Kids Market Sounding Survey. The survey has provided valuable insights about providers in WA and confirms and that we have an established sector that is well aligned to the Thriving Kids approach.
Throughout June and July 2026 we held a series of online and in-person events for sector organisations in metropolitan and regional areas. The key findings and feedback received from these events was provided to participants on 12 August 2026.
- A recording of the briefing is available to view.
- You can download a transcript of the briefing (PDF, 313KB).
In July and August 2026 we partnered with the Youth Disability Advocacy Network and Kiind to hold sessions with children, young people and families across WA. This work provided valuable insight into the needs, barriers, preferences, access issues and helpful supports relevant to Thriving Kids for children and families who will be supported by these programs and services.
Thank you to all young people, families, caregivers and organisations who have contributed to the engagement to date. Feedback from these sessions is now being documented and a summary of these engagements will be shared on this page when completed.
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