Mental Health Commission
Thriving Kids, a new national reform being led by the Commonwealth Government, will support children aged 0 to 8 years and their families, carers and kin, with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs.
Grant applications are now open, for new or existing community-based projects or initiatives that work with families, carers and kin to strengthen their knowledge, skills and confidence to support their children.
The grants will range from $250,000 to $2 million, totalling up to $52 million across Western Australia.
Grant applications close on Wednesday 30 September 2026. Thriving Kids supports will be rolled out from 1 October 2026, with full rollout expected by January 2028.
The Mental Health Commission is working with the Department of Communities, Department of Education, Department of Health and other partners to support implementation of Thriving Kids and strengthen connections between developmental, disability and mental health services.
Thriving Kids will help children and assist families by:
- supporting early intervention
- improving access to support without necessarily requiring a diagnosis
- strengthening family confidence, skills and capacity
- making it easier to navigate services and access information
- improving coordination between services
- delivering supports in community settings that are familiar and accessible.
