The Thriving Kids Advisory Group was tasked with providing advice to inform deliberations of all governments on a national model for Thriving Kids – towards delivering better outcomes for Australian children with additional developmental needs. This is the Advisory Group’s final report which consolidates advice for governments. It presents a national model for Thriving Kids.

The Thriving Kids initiative aims to focus on the early identification of ‘developmental concerns’ and the establishment of a national system of supports for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and disability and low to moderate support needs and their families. This report inquires into the Thriving Kids initiative and makes 16 recommendations.

As the population and its needs change, the care and support economy is coming under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality services at a sustainable cost. This report proposes reforms to strengthen connections across sectors and reduce siloed decision-making, improving care quality, making services more efficient and boosting productivity.

The report tracks progress towards ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe, cared for and connected to their families, communities, Country and culture. It examines what governments are doing to turn the tide on the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems across Australia.

Child abuse and neglect is a major problem in Australia. This policy and practice paper provides an overview of recent research evidence on the risk and protective factors for child abuse and neglect in families. It also discusses how knowledge of risk and protective factors can inform practice for practitioners and other professionals working with...