Thriving Kids to support families across Tasmania

Tasmania is embarking on one of the most significant reforms to child development and disability support, with the statewide rollout of the national Thriving Kids program beginning today.

Thriving Kids will make it easier for children and families across the State to access practical, timely support when they have concerns about a child’s development.

Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Jo Palmer, said Thriving Kids will support children aged up to eight years with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, along with their parents, carers and kin.

“Every Tasmanian child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, belong and thrive, and every family deserves support when they have concerns about their child,” Minister Palmer said.

“Children develop differently and may need extra help with communication, learning, movement, behaviour or social skills.

“For many families, knowing where to begin can be difficult. Thriving Kids will offer clear information, practical advice and help to connect with the right support at the right time.

“Importantly families will not need a diagnosis to access information, navigation and many supports.

“Early support can build children’s confidence and skills, helping them participate at home, in learning and in their community.

“It will also give parents, carers and kin reassurance, clear information and someone to turn to when they need support.

“As part of the statewide rollout, the Tasmanian Government is recruiting Early Childhood Connectors in every region to help families find the right support sooner.

“Connectors will work with Child and Family Learning Centres, Child Health and Parenting Service staff, GPs, health professionals, early childhood services, disability organisations and community groups.

“They will help families understand their options and connect with appropriate local supports.

“Connectors will not replace clinical assessment, diagnosis, therapy or case management. Their role is to make the system easier to navigate and strengthen local connections for families.

“We are building an even better Tasmania by investing in services to help children and families thrive.”

Supports will expand progressively from October 2026, with full services expected from 1 January 2028.

Thriving Kids will operate alongside the NDIS, with children who have permanent and significant disability continuing to receive NDIS-funded supports under usual arrangements.

Thriving Kids will offer child-development information, navigation, family programs and targeted supports, including group-based allied health services.

For more information and support, please visit www.thrivingkids.tas.gov.au