Apply now for Thriving Kids Family and Children Support Program (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Thriving Kids Family and Children Support Program provides funding for early, preventive, and community-based initiatives supporting children aged 0–8 years with developmental concerns and/or autism and their families and carers in Western Australia. The program aims to strengthen family knowledge, confidence, skills, and social connections while helping children participate more fully in everyday settings. Eligible organisations can request between $250,000 and $2 million excluding GST per project, with up to $52 million available over two years. Funded projects are expected to operate for 24 months from after 9 March 2027 and must deliver evidence-informed, accessible, inclusive, culturally safe, and early childhood intervention-focused services. What Is the Thriving Kids Family and Children Support Program? The Thriving Kids Family and Children Support Program is part of the broader Thriving Kids initiative in Western Australia. It responds to gaps in early and practical support for children aged 0–8 years who have: Developmental concerns. Developmental delay. Autism. Emerging developmental needs where a formal diagnosis may not yet exist. The program recognizes that families can experience fragmented services, long waiting periods, and difficulties accessing appropriate support, particularly outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The funding is therefore intended to provide early, preventive, family-centred, and community-based support before challenges become more complex or specialist intervention is required. Why Does the Program Matter? Families of young children with developmental concerns or autism may need support before a formal diagnosis is available or before a child becomes eligible for particular services. Respond to developmental concerns at an earlier stage. The program aims to strengthen family capability and children’s participation, rather than relying exclusively on clinical or specialist services. What Does Early Childhood Intervention Mean? Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) refers to support provided to young children with developmental concerns or disability and their families to promote development, participation, wellbeing, and inclusion. Under this program, ECI-focused support should be: Early and preventive. Family-centred. Practical. Inclusive. Evidence-informed. Focused on everyday participation. Responsive to individual and community needs. Connected with existing services. The program requires funded initiatives to align with the National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention and the Thriving Kids Service Principles. What Types of Services Can Be Funded? Funded activities must align with at least one of the program’s five specified service types. Workshops and Information Sessions for Parents and Carers Organisations can provide practical workshops and information sessions that help parents and carers understand developmental concerns and support their children. Structured group activities can provide developmentally appropriate opportunities for older children within the 0–8 age range. Activities should be designed around children’s participation, development, confidence, and social engagement. Short-Term Individual Family Support and Capacity Building Short-term individual support can help families develop practical knowledge and skills to better support their child. The focus should be on family capacity building, rather than providing long-term intensive individual services. Who Is the Program For?

The primary target group is:

Children aged 0–8 years with developmental concerns, developmental delay and/or autism, and their families and carers. A formal autism diagnosis is not required to access the intended support. The program particularly prioritises children and families experiencing additional barriers or disadvantage. Which Communities Are Prioritised? The program places particular emphasis on reaching: Aboriginal children and families. Culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Children who are in contact with the child protection system. Families experiencing additional complexity. Families experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Children and families who face barriers to existing services. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed initiative will reach and respond to priority communities. What Does Inclusive and Culturally Safe Support Mean? Funded initiatives should be accessible and responsive to the different cultural, social, communication, and participation needs of families.

Projects should consider:

Cultural safety. Accessibility. Language barriers. Community-specific needs. Family circumstances. Geographic access. Different ways families engage with services. Partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and other trusted community organisations are encouraged where appropriate. Are Collaborative Projects Encouraged? Yes. The program encourages collaborative and place-based approaches.

Organisations may work with:

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. Local community organisations. Family support services. Local government. Community groups. Other organisations with relevant expertise. Collaboration can help applicants reach families who may not otherwise engage with mainstream services. What Does Place-Based Support Mean? A place-based approach designs services around the needs of a particular local community. Instead of applying the same model everywhere, organisations should consider: Local population characteristics. Existing services. Service gaps. Cultural needs. Geographic barriers. Community strengths. Local partnerships. Applicants should explain why their proposed service model is appropriate for the specific Western Australian communities they intend to serve. How Much Funding Is Available? The program provides substantial project-level funding. Minimum Grant $250,000 excluding GST per project or initiative Maxi