Targeted Supports for Children
October 2026
The sixth issue of the Implementing Thriving Kids series argues that with limited funding for ‘more’ the real opportunity lies in ‘different’.
This brief envisions a more equitable, efficient and responsive system that provides evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate supports matched to each child’s functional needs, developmental level and psychosocial context.
Targeted supports are part of a continuum of tiered help offered to children and families based on need. The continuum ranges from universal supports to targeted supports addressing low to moderate needs. Some children with more significant support needs may require access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Families should be able to move up and down this continuum as their needs change. Targeted supports that are child and family-focused, strengths-based and matched to the level of support required can bridge universal supports and the NDIS.
Thriving Kids can provide developmentally appropriate, evidence-based targeted supports that are matched to the needs of children and families by:
- establishing a nationally consistent triage process
- embedding multidisciplinary teams in Child and Family Hubs
- investing in workforce capability and capacity
- embedding continuous learning and evaluation.
Related resources from the Centre
August 2026
Authors: Rachel Whiffen, Vikki Leone, Teresa Devine-Hercus, and Sharon Goldfeld.
This issue lays the foundation of the series with a focus on strengthening universal services, identifying the role of parenting and targeted supports, and presenting a dual-track approach to to accelerate implementation.
May 2025
Authors: Moore T., Imms, C., Luscombe, D., SNAICC authors, Bonyhady, B, Dimmock, K., Deane, K, D’Aprano, A., & Kakoschke-Moore, S.
The National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention describes what high-quality evidence-informed support looks like. The Framework provides guidance for parents, caregivers and professionals on what works best to support children (aged up to 9 years) with developmental concerns, delay or disability, so they can thrive.
February 2026
Authors: Anna Price, Elodie O'Connor and Sharon Goldfeld
This perspective article highlights CFH services as the health backbone — alongside ECEC — of a universal early childhood development system. It emphasises the importance of monitoring and equity in CFH services, and presents a pragmatic conceptual model for delivering universal, equitable CFH services in Australia.
September 2026
Authors: Olivia Hilton, Jacqui McCann, Suzanne Long, Trina Hinkley, Christine Imms, Elodie O’Connor, and Sharon Goldfeld.
The seventh issue of the Implementing Thriving Kids series describes how a learning system enables earlier action and better investment decisions, rather than waiting for end-stage findings.
October 2026
Authors: A/Prof Valerie Sung and Jermy Pang.
Thriving is not something deaf and hard of hearing children should have to earn, it is what happens when the systems around them listen.
A/Prof Valerie Sung is a paediatrician and a coauthor of Targeted Supports for Children and Jermy Pang is a parent with lived experience and co-chair of the AusChildDeafness Community Advisory Group.