No child left behind: Thriving Kids Advisory Group releases final report
Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) acknowledges the release of the Thriving Kids model of care and the endorsement of the program by National Cabinet, recognising the importance of earlier, family-centred support for children with developmental delay and autism.
We acknowledge the work of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group and its emphasis on early identification, accessible supports, and a strengths-based approach that focuses on children’s needs rather than diagnostic labels.
Allied health professionals have consistently advocated for models that reduce delays, remove unnecessary barriers for families, and provide support in the settings where children live, learn and play.
AHPA particularly notes the central role identified for qualified allied health professionals in delivering targeted supports for children and families who need them.
As governments move to bilateral agreements and operational planning, AHPA emphasises several critical considerations:
Workforce capacity and sustainability: Allied health workforces are already under significant pressure nationwide. Successful implementation will require investment in workforce growth, retention and professional development across community, early childhood and education settings.
Quality and scope of practice: Targeted supports must be delivered by qualified allied health professionals, working within their full scope of practice and supported by clear clinical governance arrangements.
Integration with existing systems: Thriving Kids must complement, not fragment, existing early childhood, education and health services, including avoiding duplication and ensuring continuity of care for children with higher or evolving needs.
Equity of access: Children and families in regional, rural and disadvantaged communities must have the same access to allied health expertise as those in metropolitan areas.
Co-design and ongoing consultation: Continued engagement with allied health peak bodies and the broader workforce will be essential as service models are finalised and rolled out.
AHPA supports reforms that improve access to early supports for children and families and reduce unnecessary stress caused by long waitlists. However, the success of Thriving Kids will ultimately be judged by whether children receive the right support, at the right time, from the right professionals, and whether families feel confident, supported and respected.
Thriving Kids will have significant impacts on the allied health sector, including the many allied health businesses that currently provide quality early childhood services. AHPA is calling for workforce transition supports and funding models, including commissioning, that will enable participation by existing quality allied health providers in the delivery of Thriving Kids.
AHPA looks forward to working constructively with the Commonwealth, states and territories to ensure the Thriving Kids program is implemented in a way that strengthens outcomes for children, supports families, and recognises the essential contribution of the allied health workforce.