SSI calls for inclusion of CALD families’ needs in Thriving Kids program

Leading refugee resettlement and multicultural services provider SSI has welcomed the announcement of the new Thriving Kids program but encouraged the government to ensure culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children with disability and their families were included in the program’s design, implementation and monitoring.

SSI Executive General Manager Service Delivery Eric Harper said it was critical to include CALD children with disability to ensure no child was left behind.

Mr Harper said SSI's A Strong Start Policy Brief – based on joint SSI/UniSA Stronger Starts Brighter Futures II research – found that Australian children from CALD backgrounds were already disadvantaged in relation to early interventions for developmental delays and autism.

"This research shows that CALD children in the pre-school age group are around half as likely to access early support such as speech or occupational therapy as other Australian children,” he said.

“As a result, these children miss out on important early interventions that address developmental issues from an early age. Socio-economic disadvantage and English language proficiency contribute to this, meaning it’s very important to include the voices of CALD parents and children in all phases of the new program.

Mr Harper said SSI, which provides Local Area Coordination services under the NDIS, welcomed the federal government's focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the scheme including measures to address fraud, early health checks for children, and strengthening support for children and families in the early years.

“These reforms have the potential to deliver more appropriate, accessible and evidence-based support for children and their families.

“But the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’ must extend to all Australians with disability, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background. SSI looks forward to working with government, community organisations and families to help shape a system that is inclusive, sustainable and responsive to the diverse needs of all Australian children and families.”