The Inklings pilot program supports parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers in Western Australia who may be showing early signs of developmental delays or differences. Run by The Kids Research Institute Australia (formerly Telethon Kids Institute) and funded by the NDIA, the program is testing whether it can be expanded to help more families in the future. The first phase of the pilot, which involved recruiting staff, training clinicians, setting up referral pathways, and creating supporting systems, has now been completed. The program has now entered its second phase, which focuses on providing direct support to families. Since November 2023, more than 200 families have expressed interest, and the first families are beginning to receive services. The program is set to run until November 2026, with the aim of supporting 700 families across Western Australia. A key element of the program’s development is consulting with First Nations communities to make sure it’s culturally appropriate and accessible for Aboriginal families. The Kids Research Institute is working with the Kulunga Aboriginal Unit to ensure the program is safe and relevant, while also looking at how it can be adapted for families in regional and remote areas. The program’s progress is being closely monitored, and any new insights or updates will be shared as they become available.
