Boosting support for children and young people with high support needs

What's at stake

Who feels it

Children and young people with high and complex support needs, and their families receiving care and support services.

Money in play

$93.5 million over four years plus $0.8 million in capital funding

Timing

Budget 2026 allocation — no specific enactment or Royal Assent date published.

How it works

Budget 2026 appropriation funding for support services delivered through the child protection and welfare system.

Key context

Track the rollout timeline for specialist care placements funded under this allocationConfirm which providers (DHBs, NGOs, private placements) will deliver clinical support and whether eligibility criteria changeMonitor whether 'placement breakdown prevention' includes revised assessment thresholds or new intervention triggersCheck whether this funding creates new rights of access to specialist support or modifies existing needs-assessment pathwaysVerify whether sole-trader or contractor clinicians (psychologists, counsellors) are eligible to access funding or contracts

Wider effects

Mental health and wellbeing support (health system reform), disability support services, and child safety and family wellbeing frameworks. Potential alignment with broader Early Intervention and Prevention strategy.