Victoria has officially begun the rollout of the Thriving Kids initiative, a joint Australian and Victorian Government program that will provide support for children with developmental delay and autism, along with their families.
The program commenced in Victoria on 1 October 2026. Services and supports will continue to be introduced over the coming months, with full implementation expected by 1 January 2028.
As part of the first stage of the rollout, families can now access practical information and guidance to help them understand available supports and navigate next steps. The Victorian Government has also increased access to the Advocating for Children with Disability Support Line, expanded publicly funded autism assessments, provided more places in the Strengthening Parent Support program, and invested in additional training for early years educators. These measures aim to strengthen inclusion, identify developmental concerns earlier, and support the successful implementation of Thriving Kids.
The next phase of the rollout will begin in early 2027 when the first six sites offering time-limited allied health support become operational. These government delivered services will be established in Bendigo, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Loddon, Maribyrnong and Melton. Additional sites will open across Victoria throughout 2027.
Families and providers can find more information on the Victorian Government’s Thriving Kids website and access national information and resources through the Raising Children Network and a dedicated Thriving Kids Autism Helpline on 1300 654 789.