Foundational Supports: info session for child, youth and family services

Join Families ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT for an informal online session, delivered in partnership with NDS and ACTDSID to provide background, context and updates to the child, youth and family sector in the ACT regarding the NDIS reforms specific to foundational supports.

While the NDIS foundational supports program is yet to be clearly defined and rolled out, this session will aim to provide attendees with baseline knowledge to support implementation and its impact on clients and services in the children, youth and family sector in the ACT.

Who Should Attend:

This session is tailored for Families ACT and Youth Coalition ACT member organisations working directly with children, youth, and families in the ACT, including (but not limited to):

• Youth workers
• Family caseworkers
• Team leaders
• Program managers

What Are Foundational Supports?

• NDIS foundational supports are designed to provide essential assistance to individuals with disabilities, focusing on daily living skills, community participation, and early supports for children and youth.
• New laws for the NDIS came into effect on October 3, 2024, following the passing of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment.
• These changes aim to clarify what NDIS funding can and cannot cover, ensuring that participants can only use their funds for approved supports.
• Phased implementation of foundational supports is set to begin from July 2025.
• Foundational Supports will include two categories:
  • general supports - for all people with disability and could include community care, assistance with shopping, property maintenance, peer and family support and early intervention support and,
  • targeted supports - for people who are not eligible for the NDIS and are most in need of additional support. These could include a focus on supports for specific groups such as children, young people and adolescents, people with persistent mental illness, and people with hearing loss. These could include early supports services, independence and transition supports, individual capacity building and aids and equipment.

What You'll Learn:
Participants will gain insights into:

• Knowledge about the origins and development of NDIS and foundational supports.
• The key challenges and needs that foundational supports are designed to solve.
• An update on the progress to define and roll-out foundational supports in the ACT.
• Reflections on new opportunities, challenges and anticipate how these may affect children, youth and families in the ACT.
• Knowledge about where to refer families that need help navigating services and supports now (in advance of the roll-out).
• Where services can go to stay informed and up to date on NDIS reforms and implementation in the ACT.