Thriving Kids must protect existing support for children says Noah's Ark CEO
Noah's Ark
Key Facts:- Noah's Ark CEO Penny Callaghan is urging the Victorian Government to protect existing early intervention expertise during the rollout of its Thriving Kids reforms, warning that specialist capacity could be lost before the new system is fully established.
- Thriving Kids will shift early intervention support for children aged eight and under with developmental delay or autism from the NDIS to government-funded foundational supports, but Noah's Ark is concerned the proposed model could place further pressure on already overwhelmed community health services.
- Ms Callaghan is seeking clarity on why a new government-employed workforce would deliver better outcomes than investing in existing specialist providers, which bring evidence-based service models, skilled staff, and established community relationships.
- Noah's Ark welcomes elements of the reforms, including expanded autism assessments, developmental checks at kindergarten and school entry, and increased investment in inclusion, but stresses implementation must deliver practical improvements in access and outcomes for families.
- Ms Callaghan is calling for greater transparency around the model's clinical governance and evidence base, and for children, families, researchers, and specialist providers to be involved in co-designing the next stages of the reforms.
Noah’s Ark CEO Penny Callaghan is urging the Victorian Government to protect existing early intervention expertise as it rolls out Thriving Kids, warning that capacity could be lost before the new system is fully established.
Ms Callaghan leads Noah’s Ark, a specialist early childhood intervention provider supporting children with developmental delays and disabilities. She supports the reforms’ focus on earlier intervention but is calling for a clear workforce and transition strategy to maintain support for families.
“Victoria has an opportunity to build a more responsive and sustainable early childhood intervention system. To do so, we must draw on existing strengths, learn from previous reforms, and work in genuine partnership with the organisations, professionals and families who have supported children for decades,” Ms Callaghan said.
Thriving Kids will shift early intervention support for children aged eight and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs from the NDIS to government-funded foundational supports delivered through health, community and early childhood services.
Noah’s Ark is concerned the proposed direct service delivery model could put further pressure on existing community health service systems that are already overwhelmed, such as Maternal and Child Health services. It raises questions about whether children identified as being at developmental risk will be able to access timely and appropriate support.
Ms Callaghan is seeking clarity on why a substantial new government-employed workforce would deliver better outcomes than investment in existing specialist services.
“Organisations such as Noah's Ark have the specialised expertise, established evidence-based approaches, and capacity to provide early support, helping children achieve positive developmental outcomes and improved quality of life,” Ms Callaghan said.
"Delays in early intervention can have long-term implications for a child's development and wellbeing.”
Noah’s Ark welcomes Victoria’s plans to expand autism assessments, increase support for parents and carers, introduce developmental checks at kindergarten and school entry, roll out targeted supports from 2027 and increase investment in inclusion.
However, Ms Callaghan said implementation must deliver practical improvements for families.
“The reforms must deliver more than structural change. They must result in better access to timely, high-quality support and improved outcomes for children with developmental and allied health needs,” she said.
Alongside bestchance, DPV Health and Mpower, Noah’s Ark has advocated for reforms that strengthen specialist services, build workforce capacity and maintain support during the transition. Existing providers bring evidence-based service models, skilled workforces, infrastructure and trusted community relationships.
Ms Callaghan is also calling for greater transparency about the proposed model’s clinical governance, service outcomes, performance measures and evidence base, and for lessons from previous service delivery initiatives to inform its design.
She wants children, families, researchers and specialist providers involved in co-designing the next stages, building on the investment already made in the best practice framework.
“We encourage Government, sector leaders and the community to work together to ensure Thriving Kids delivers on its promise of earlier intervention, stronger inclusion and better outcomes for every child who needs support. As the state election approaches, this remains one of the most important issues Victoria isn’t yet talking about,” Ms Callaghan said.
“The decisions made now will shape the support available to thousands of Victorian children for years to come.”
ENDS
Note: CEO Penny Callaghan, together with a family affected by the Thriving Kids transition and a current allied health worker, are available for interview.
About us:
About Noah’s Ark
Noah’s Ark Inc is a specialist early childhood intervention organisation that has supported children with developmental delays and disabilities, and their families, for more than 55 years. It delivers allied health, early intervention and family support services across Victoria, NSW and ACT, helping children develop the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive.
https://www.noahsarkinc.org.au
Contact details:
Noah’s Ark contacts
Sarah Sweeney | Marketing Campaigns Manager | Noah’s Ark Inc
[email protected] | 0437 719 996
Penny Callaghan | CEO | Noah’s Ark Inc
[email protected] | 0401 825 141