Foundational Supports for Children

Foundational supports for children under 9

The NSW Government is working hard to deliver on our commitment to ensure that children across NSW get the best start in life and learning, no matter their postcode or background.

We are working with the Australian Government and other states and territories to design foundational supports for children under nine with autism and developmental delay. These supports would help children with low-to-moderate support needs and their families, carers and kin.

Foundational supports will help children to meet developmental milestones, learn, be social, and support them with their emotional, physical and mental health. Supports are also being designed to give families, carers and kin the right information to understand and support their child’s needs.

Governments are working together on how and when these services could be rolled out after they sign a long-term agreement on foundational supports.

Consultation

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice, the Cabinet Office, NSW Health, the NSW Department of Education and Aboriginal Affairs NSW are all working together to design effective, community-based supports.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice has established a Foundational Supports for Children Advisory Group. This includes peak bodies, advocates and service providers who will share their expertise and insights.

We will also be holding community consultations later in 2025. We will update this website when we have more information about when and where you can have your say.   

If you have any questions, please email foundational.supports@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

The Australian Government asked the community about foundational supports from September to November 2024. You can read the discussion paper and watch a video of the ‘What we heard’ webinar on the DSS Engage website.

Where to get support

If you are worried about how your child is growing and learning, talk to your child's doctor or the Community Nurse at your local Child and Family Health Centre.  

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Early Childhood Approach helps  children under 9 with developmental delay or disabilities. They focus on early intervention and support. To find an NDIS Early Childhood provider, go to the NDIS website.

Additional information:

• DSS Disabilities and carers – information about support for people with disabilities and their families, carers and kin. 
• Disability Advocacy Futures Program – information disability advocacy services.  
• NSW Education Inclusive learning support – information about the Disability Advocacy Futures Program for students.
• DCJ Early Intervention Programs - free services across NSW that support children, young people and families experiencing a range of issues.
• Family Connect and Support - connects families with support services and community resources to help keep children and young people are safe and well.
• Aboriginal Child and Family Centres - culturally-safe services for families with Aboriginal children aged up to 8 years of age.
• Brighter Beginnings – services and resources to help children during the first five years of life.
• Finding early childhood education and care – information to help families, carers and kin choose an early childhood education service.
• NSW Health Disability services and initiatives – information about accessible health care options for people with disabilities.