Children's voices on Thriving Kids
About this publication
Thriving Kids is a new initiative by the Australian Government that will support children aged 0-8 years with developmental concerns, delay and/or neurodevelopmental difference with low to moderate support needs.
The initiative will start in October 2026, but it won’t be fully operational until January 2028. This means that decisions about how and what support is provided are being made now, and we want to hear what kids think this should look like.
Children are rarely asked what helps them, despite international mandates, national legislation and policies that support their involvement in decisions that affect them.
We want to make sure children have a say about Thriving Kids, and we need their help to write our publication titled ‘Children should be part of Thriving Kids, and this is what they told us.’
Who can take part?
Parents and carers of children aged 5 to 12 with developmental delay, and or disability, including autism. If you care for a child who is eligible and interested in taking part, and you have time, we would love your help.
Taking part is voluntary
Your child must agree to take part. Ask for their assent, and if they say no or lose interest, they can stop. You can skip questions or stop at any time, without giving a reason.
What happens to the answers?
What children tell us will directly inform a Voice of the Child Thriving Kids publication, including how children could be meaningfully included in decisions about Thriving Kids. We will make a report available for your review within two months of closing the survey.
What is involved?
One short survey, completed with your child rather than for them. It takes about 15 minutes and asks what helps them thrive at school, at appointments and in everyday life.
Give or read the Note for Kids to any child taking part.
Privacy
The survey is completely anonymous. We will not collect or share any personal information about you or your child, including names or contact details. Your child chooses a pretend name instead of their real one.
Why we are doing it this way
Ideally, we would co-design the publication with children, but the timeframe does not allow it. When upholding children's rights to express their views, it is better to do an imperfect 'something' rather than a perfect 'nothing' (Lundy, 2018).
How to take part
The survey is open until 23 September 2026.
Before you begin
Read the Parent and Carer Guide first. It explains how to ask the questions so your child's voice can be heard.
Read the Parent and Carer Guide
Give or read the Note for Kids to any child taking part.