Supporting children with disability and their families
Better Start is a registration and information service for Australian families of children with eligible disability, trusted since 2011.
What this Better Start information site is for
This site preserves and organises information about the Australian Better Start for Children with Disability programme. It helps families understand the programme's history, find restored resources, and follow links to current disability and carer support pathways.
Better Start is closed to new registrations. Families seeking support today should use current services such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Carer Gateway, and relevant state or territory contacts.
The Better Start programme
The Australian Government launched Better Start in 2011 to support eligible children under seven to access early intervention services. Eligible diagnostic groups included Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Fragile X syndrome, and specified hearing or vision impairments, with additional conditions added during the life of the programme.
The programme offered eligible families early-intervention funding and access to registered service providers. As the NDIS rolled out nationally, new Better Start registrations closed and participating families moved to the NDIS or other continuity-of-support arrangements.
How to use the restored information
- Programme background: start with What is Better Start? for eligibility and funding history.
- Transition information: read Transitioning to the NDIS and Continuity of Support.
- Documents and support links: visit Downloads and resources or the detailed links and resources directory.
- Local help: use the state and territory contacts page to find an appropriate organisation.
Historical information and current advice
Some pages describe programme rules, contacts, forms, and service arrangements that applied before or during the NDIS transition. They are retained for reference and should not be treated as confirmation of current eligibility, funding, or service availability.
For current NDIS eligibility and planning information, check official NDIS guidance. For carer counselling, practical assistance, and local support, Carer Gateway can be contacted on 1800 422 737.
About the original programme delivery
Better Start was funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and delivered with support from Carers Australia and state and territory Carers Associations. This restored site keeps the programme's information pathways easier to find while directing families toward current services.
Need help finding the right page?
Use the contact page, browse the family guides, or begin with the frequently asked questions.