Brotherhood of St. Laurence Welcomes Thriving Kids – Supporting Children and Families Where They Live, Learn and Play

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) welcomes a significant step forward for children experiencing developmental delay following Friday’s agreement by National Cabinet to progress the rollout of Thriving Kids, and Tuesday’s release of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group’s proposed national model. 

For too long, families of children with developmental concerns and autism with low to moderate support needs have struggled to access the right support at the right time - often facing long waiting lists or missing out on early support altogether.  

BSL Executive Director Travers McLeod said that Thriving Kids represents a significant opportunity to build a more effective, equitable early childhood development system that meets children and caregivers where they are and one that responds early, in real time. 

“Thriving Kids is built around a simple idea: there should be no wrong door for families seeking support. By creating multiple pathways into the system and embedding services in places families already trust — like early learning settings and schools — we can reach children earlier and respond in ways that fit their everyday lives.” 

“We also know that families don’t experience services in silos, and neither should children. An integrated approach that brings together early learning, family support and early intervention ensures help is available where families already live, learn and play.” 

BSL welcomes the opportunity to work with governments as this important reform is designed and implemented. Alongside partners across the sector, BSL delivers programs that closely align with the goals of Thriving Kids, and we look forward to sharing practical insights from what is already working on the ground. 

This includes BSL’s Early Years Integrated Approach, which brings together universal and targeted supports to meet families’ diverse needs. Key parts of the integrated approach include Enhanced Early Supports, a best‑practice targeted model for families of children with developmental differences delivered where children live, learn and play.  

This approach provides families with a dedicated key worker who offers practical strategies to support development embedded in everyday routines, coordinated referrals and support to navigate key transitions into early childhood education and care or school. BSL and partners also deliver programs such as the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY), where parents are empowered to support their child’s development through structured, home‑based learning that builds confidence and capability. 

We welcome governments’ commitment to investing in additional supports that expand access to proven, integrated models like these helping ensure children and families receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.