Emerging Minds response to Thriving Kids program announcement – 21 August, 2025

Emerging Minds welcomes the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing’s announcement of the Thriving Kids program. In partnership with States and Territories, Thriving Kids is a federal commitment representing a $2 billion investment into tailored supports for children with mild to moderate developmental delays and autism designed to support families to access the right help at the right time.     

Emerging Minds acknowledges the valuable contributions of the example programs highlighted in the announcement and we recognise the important role many of our partners play in their delivery. These programs are essential building blocks in supporting children, parents and families as they navigate their individual circumstances. At the same time, lasting change for children and families depends on building a coordinated range of services – so that families can access supports that are connected, culturally safe, and responsive to their needs. 

Children’s developmental challenges are often linked with mental health concerns, family adversity, and barriers such as service silos or gaps in rural and regional access. That’s why it’s vital that Thriving Kids goes beyond new programs to strengthen the network of supports available to families, ensuring services work together and respond holistically. 

For Thriving Kids to deliver its full impact, Emerging Minds recommends a focus on: 

• Embedding mental health supports in child development services so children’s wellbeing is seen as whole and interconnected 

• Supporting a whole of family approach, that recognises and responds to the impact of adversity and persistent family challenges on children’s development 

• Strengthening the workforce by building on national workforce support initiatives 

• Investing in integration, including shared referral pathways and local coordination 

• Embedding family voices in design and evaluation at both local and national levels 

• Ensuring programs connect into a broader network of supports, so they have greater impact and sustainability. 

The Thriving Kids investment is a significant opportunity to reshape how we support children and families in Australia. By focusing on the range of coordinated services available in every community, not just individual programs, we can build a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable system of support. 

Emerging Minds looks forward to contributing to this work and collaborating with governments, partners, and families to ensure Thriving Kids delivers lasting benefits for infants, children, and their families.