Every child deserves to feel supported, included and able to thrive in their community. Yet too often, children with disability and their families face barriers to accessing the supports they need, with gaps between mainstream services and the NDIS leaving many without the right help at the right time.

The proposed Thriving Kids program presents an important opportunity to improve outcomes for children with disability and their families. For it to succeed, children and families must be at the centre of its design through genuine shared decision-making, ensuring the program reflects their experiences, priorities and aspirations.

While we welcome increased investment in supports for children with disability, this investment must be carefully planned and coordinated with existing systems, including education, health and the NDIS. Most importantly, people with disability, children and their families must lead the development of the Thriving Kids program to ensure it delivers meaningful, inclusive and lasting change.

Read our submission here.

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