Thriving Kids in the Northern Territory

Thriving Kids is a new Northern Territory program that will provide supports for children aged 8 and under who have:

• developmental delay
• autism, with low to moderate support needs.

It follows a joint funding agreement between the Northern Territory and Australian governments to deliver new supports outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

What it will do

Thriving Kids will help children get the best start in life by improving early identification and response to developmental needs, and by supporting families with information, advice and connection to services.

Services will include:

• information and navigation
• parenting supports
• targeted developmental assistance when needed.

It's designed for the NT and will deliver culturally responsive supports through a ‘no wrong door’ approach, ensuring families can access help wherever they first seek it.

When you can access it

The first supports are expected to begin from 1 October 2026, with a full rollout by 1 January 2028.

Ongoing development and rollout of Thriving Kids will be shaped by consultation with families, communities and the sector.

Learn more

• Thriving Kids in the Northern Territory - fact sheet PDF (585.3 KB)
• Thriving Kids in the Northern Territory - Easy Read fact sheet PDF (1.4 MB)

Read more about Thriving Kids on the Australian Government's Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Read the National Agreement on Foundational Supports on the Australian Government's Federal Financial Relations website.

Other supports

You and your child can get other support before Thriving Kids starts.

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – the early childhood approach helps children under 9 with developmental delay or disabilities. They focus on early intervention and support. Go to the Australian Government's NDIS website to learn more about the early childhood approach and connecting with an early childhood partner.
• Disability advocacy – get free and confidential advocacy services provide information and support to people with disability, their families and carers. To learn more, go to the Northern Territory Government website.