Victoria launches universal autism and developmental delay screening for all three and four-year-olds
Victoria's new Thriving Kids program will offer developmental screening to all three and four-year-old children through maternal and child health services and kindergartens, with rollout beginning immediately and universal availability by January 2028. The program is designed to shift thousands of children with mild to moderate developmental delays and autism from the federally-funded NDIS to state-run support services including speech pathology and occupational therapy. This represents a key federal strategy to reduce NDIS costs, though Minister Blandthorn acknowledged the state system will not match Commonwealth funding levels.
Victoria is implementing universal developmental screening for all three and four-year-olds through its new Thriving Kids program, which will be delivered via the existing maternal and child health system and kindergartens. Children identified with mild to moderate developmental delays, autism, speech delays, or motor delays will be referred to state-run services rather than the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The program represents a significant policy shift, moving children aged eight and under with low to moderate support needs from the $48 billion NDIS to state-based alternatives. Children and Disability Minister Lizzie Blandthorn stated the government does not envisage out-of-pocket costs for families and services will be based in existing community infrastructure. Children with permanent and significant disabilities or high support needs will continue accessing the NDIS. The rollout will occur through existing maternal health services and kindergartens before becoming universally available by January 2028.
What's missing
The article does not provide specific details on: the funding amount Victoria will receive for the Thriving Kids program; how the program's capacity compares to current NDIS caseloads for this age group; specific outcome metrics or success measures for the program; or details on how children currently receiving NDIS support will transition to the new system.
What different sources said
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
All three and four-year-olds to be screened for autism under Victoria’s NDIS alternative
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