Thriving Kids: making sense of what’s ahead

Over the past few months, many families have been asking us about the upcoming Thriving Kids changes. Like much system reform, there is a mix of hope, uncertainty and a lot of questions. 

It is still early days. Details are continuing to emerge, and the new approach will be introduced gradually over the next couple of years. Nothing is changing overnight. But it is understandable that families want to know what this may mean for their child and for the supports they rely on. 

At its heart, the intention behind Thriving Kids is a positive one. The aim is to make it easier for children and families to access support early, without needing a diagnosis, and to strengthen support in everyday settings such as early learning, schools and community. These are goals many of us across the early childhood and disability community share, and have communicated to the government. 

At the same time, families want to understand how supports will work in practice, how transitions will happen over time, and how we make sure that children continue to receive the help they need to grow and participate in daily life. These are thoughtful and important questions. 

At Plumtree, we are closely following developments and contributing to discussions about how early childhood supports should work into the future. Our focus is simple: ensuring that children and families continue to feel supported, informed and connected during this period of change. 

Many of the approaches being discussed as part of Thriving Kids — earlier support, community-based services, peer connection, and working alongside families in everyday environments — are approaches we have long believed in and continue to provide. Strong early support for children and families remains the shared goal. 

“The inclusion of peer support from people with lived experience in a national early childhood reform is significant,” says Plumtree CEO Sylvana Mahmic. “Shared understanding, reassurance, and perspective can ease isolation and help parents recognise their own strengths, in ways formal services alone often cannot.  

“It is not about shifting responsibility onto families. When peer support is done well, pressure reduces. Parents gain clarity and confidence, which in turn supports children within their everyday environments.”

For now, there is no need for families to make immediate changes. If anything, this is a time to stay connected, ask questions and keep focusing on what helps children and families thrive day to day. 

We will continue to share updates as we learn more, and to create spaces where families can talk through what these changes may mean. As always, you are welcome to reach out to our team if you would like to have a conversation. 

You are not navigating this period of change alone.