The Finocchiaro CLP Government today announces the phased rollout of Thriving Kids across the Northern Territory, with Minister for Disability Jinson Charls set to formally launch the initiative.
We are expanding the allied health workforce and service capacity to build on existing NT Health services.
Thriving Kids will be introduced in phases through to 1 January 2028, with no automatic change to a child's existing NDIS supports.
Minister for Disability Jinson Charls will launch the Territory's phased rollout of Thriving Kids today, supported by a $34 million joint investment from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments over five years.
Thriving Kids will support children aged eight and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, as well as their parents, carers and kin. The initiative aims to give children the best start in life through earlier identification of developmental needs, timely support, and improved access to information, advice and services.
Minister Charls said the new Thriving Kids initiative will aim to make it easier for Territory families to access the support and services they need, when they need them.
"Parents know their child best, and when they have concerns about their development, they should be able to ask for help without first having to navigate a complex system or wait for a formal diagnosis," Minister Charls said.
"Thriving Kids aims to make support easier to understand and access, while giving families practical information, advice and connections to services in their communities."
Importantly, there will be no automatic change to a child's existing NDIS supports from 1 October 2026. Thriving Kids will be progressively expanded across the Territory through to 1 January 2028, giving families, communities and service providers time to transition. The NDIS will continue to support eligible children with permanent and significant disability or higher support needs.
"I want to reassure families that children will not automatically lose their existing NDIS supports. This is a phased transition through to January 2028, and we will continue providing clear information as services expand," Minister Charls said.
Families will not need to wait for a formal diagnosis before seeking support. Parents and carers who have concerns about their child's development are encouraged to speak with their GP or other health professionals.
The program will build on existing services available across the Territory and expand in stages based on local needs, demand and workforce capacity. Supports will include information and advice, family and parenting programs, peer support, early intervention services, and targeted developmental assistance where required.
Minister for Health Steve Edgington said the expansion of allied health and early intervention services will help ensure more Territory children can access the support they need closer to home.
"We are building on those established services by expanding our allied health workforce and increasing access to targeted early intervention support across the Territory's vast regions," Minister Edgington said.
"This staged approach will allow us to build sustainable services around the needs of Territory children, families and communities."
NT Health Senior Manager Community Allied Health Kim Clayworth said Thriving Kids will make it easier for families to access timely support for their children.
"Thriving Kids targeted supports pathway will offer a contemporary, family-centred model of care, with a simple referral pathway connecting children to local support as soon as developmental concerns are identified," Ms Clayworth said.
"A key strength is the ability of our allied health teams to work alongside families in the places children live, learn and play, including homes, preschools and child-care centres, helping children build skills and confidence as part of their everyday lives."
The Northern Territory Government is currently seeking feedback from parents, carers, health professionals and people with experience across the disability, early childhood education and early intervention sectors through the Thriving Kids in the Northern Territory Have Your Say survey, which is open until 18 October 2026.
