NDIA Accountability Project

Concerns about NDIS access for children in out-of-home care

‹ PrevPage 1 of 3 · Source p. 1Next ›

NDIS Changes and Their Impact on Children in Out-of-Home Care

The Carer Project

The Carer Project is a volunteer-led advocacy and peer support initiative committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and the carers who support them. In 2025, The Carer Project conducted a survey of foster and kinship carers to better understand their experiences navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This report was developed from survey feedback and evidence gathered from foster and kinship carers during 2025. Version 2.0, dated 6 July 2026, reflects editorial revisions to improve clarity, readability, and structure only. The evidence, concerns, and recommendations remain unchanged. We are deeply concerned about the NDIS changes that came into effect on 1 July 2025, and about the ongoing management of NDIS access, plans, and funding for children in out-of-home care. Carers across Australia continue to raise serious concerns that remain unresolved and appear to be worsening under the current reforms. This document outlines the key concerns consistently raised by carers regarding the administration, accessibility, and effectiveness of NDIS supports for children and young people in out-of-home care, together with recommendations for reform.

Denial of Critical Services and Equipment

  • Children have experienced lengthy delays in, or been denied access to, essential services, supports and equipment, including therapy, wheelchairs, medical-grade safety beds, access ramps, home and bathroom modifications, vehicle modifications, and sensory and communication tools.
  • These delays and denials affect safety, access to education, and social and community participation.

Trauma-Informed Services

  • Children and young people in care may experience PTSD, developmental trauma, and complex trauma, each of which can present through different signs, symptoms, and behaviours.
  • These behaviours often overlap with, or appear similar to, those associated with ASD, ADHD, and other disabilities, yet trauma-related mental health injuries are not consistently recognised or funded under the NDIS.

We urge the relevant decision-makers to

  1. Immediately review and reconsider the NDIS changes introduced on 1 July 2025.
  2. Require carer involvement in all NDIS planning and review processes for children in out-of- home care.
  3. Ensure direct communication and information-sharing with carers about each child’s plan, services, appointments, and reviews.
  4. Establish independent oversight of DCP’s NDIS involvement and an independent NDIS complaints and investigation process.
  5. Introduce policies to prevent providers from inflating fees once they become aware of NDIS funding
  6. Undertake direct, meaningful consultation with foster and kinship carers to design a system that reflects the real needs of vulnerable children, rather than relying solely on feedback from peak bodies, representative organisations, or funded providers.
  7. Broaden recognition of trauma- related disability so children affected by trauma in out-of-home care can access appropriate therapeutic services, supports, and equipment.

Conclusion

Children in care are some of the most disadvantaged in our community. The current NDIS structure is not meeting their needs or adequately supporting the carers who care for them. These issues compound trauma and delay access to timely, appropriate support. We urge you to take this matter forward and help deliver a system where children’s needs are prioritised, carers are respected, and public funds are used responsibly.

Lisa O’Malley Co-founder The Carer Project Independent Volunteer Advocate C&YP, Foster & Kinship Carers SA Dental Consumer Advisory Panel