Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids Explained (2026 Guide for Victorian Families)

In 2026 the disability support system in Australia gained a whole new layer called Foundational Supports, with a children's program called Thriving Kids as its first component. If you are a Victorian family, you may be wondering what these are, whether they replace the NDIS, and what they mean for your child. This guide explains it clearly.

Sky Care Solutions is a registered NDIS provider serving Melbourne and Victoria. We track these reforms closely so we can help families understand the right pathway, whether that is the NDIS, Foundational Supports, or a mix.

Quick answer: what are Foundational Supports?

Foundational Supports are a new layer of disability support that sits outside the individual NDIS, funded jointly by the Commonwealth and the states under the National Agreement on Foundational Supports 2026-31, which began on 2 February 2026. Governments have committed around $10 billion over five years. The first component, Thriving Kids, begins from 1 October 2026 and supports children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, with full rollout by 1 January 2028. Foundational Supports do not replace the NDIS; they broaden the support system around it.

Why Foundational Supports were created

The 2023 Independent Review of the NDIS found that too many people were being funnelled into individual NDIS plans because there was little support available anywhere else. For many children and people with lower or emerging needs, a full NDIS plan is not the best fit. Foundational Supports are designed to fill that gap, providing help through mainstream and community services so the NDIS can focus on people with higher and more complex needs. This is described by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing as building a system around the NDIS, not shrinking it.

What is Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids is the first and most developed part of Foundational Supports. From 1 October 2026, it begins supporting children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, along with their families, carers and kin. Support is delivered through early intervention, maternal and child health, schools and community services rather than through individual NDIS plans. Full rollout is expected by 1 January 2028.

How it works in Victoria

Foundational Supports are delivered through agreements between the Commonwealth and each state. The exact phasing and rollout of components in Victoria is being determined through bilateral agreements between the Victorian and Commonwealth governments. In practice this means timing and specific services in Victoria are being finalised progressively, so it is worth keeping an eye on official updates. Disability sector bodies such as National Disability Services track Victorian implementation closely.

Does this replace the NDIS?

No. Foundational Supports sit alongside the NDIS. Children and adults with higher and more complex needs continue to be supported through individual NDIS plans. Foundational Supports add help for people who need lighter or earlier support, or who may not be eligible for the NDIS. If your child is currently on an NDIS plan, nothing changes automatically, and any transition would be communicated to you directly.

What should Victorian families do now?

• If your child is on an NDIS plan, keep using it as normal. You will be contacted directly about any change.
• If you are considering applying for a young child, ask whether Thriving Kids might be the right pathway rather than an individual plan.
• Stay informed through official NDIS and Victorian government updates as the rollout progresses.
• Ask for help. A registered provider or coordinator can help you understand which pathway fits your child.

How this connects to other supports

For adults and older Australians, the equivalent broadening of support outside the NDIS is aged care through the Support at Home program, which replaced Home Care Packages in November 2025. For a fuller picture of the 2026 reforms, see our guide to NDIS changes in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Foundational Supports?

Foundational Supports are a new layer of disability support outside the individual NDIS, funded jointly by the Commonwealth and states under a five-year agreement that began in February 2026. They broaden the support system around the NDIS.

What is Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids is the first component of Foundational Supports. From 1 October 2026 it supports children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, through mainstream and community services, with full rollout by 1 January 2028.

Do Foundational Supports replace the NDIS?

No. They sit alongside the NDIS. People with higher and more complex needs continue on individual NDIS plans, while Foundational Supports add help for those with lighter or emerging needs.

Will my child lose their NDIS plan?

Not automatically. Children currently on an NDIS plan keep it, and any change would be communicated to you directly. Thriving Kids is a new pathway for children who might otherwise have needed a plan.

When do Foundational Supports start in Victoria?

The National Agreement began on 2 February 2026 and Thriving Kids begins from 1 October 2026. The exact phasing in Victoria is being finalised through agreements between the Victorian and Commonwealth governments.

Who do I contact about Foundational Supports?

Keep an eye on official NDIS and Victorian government updates. A registered provider or support coordinator can also help you understand which pathway suits your child.

Talk to a Melbourne provider about the right pathway

The reforms can be confusing, especially for families of young children. Sky Care Solutions is a registered NDIS provider serving Melbourne and Victoria, and we can help you understand whether the NDIS, Foundational Supports or another pathway is right for your family.

Call 03 7047 9499 or book a free consultation. Registered NDIS provider 4050172644.

Last updated July 2026. For official information see ndis.gov.au and health.gov.au. General information only, not personal advice.