Youngcare has responded to the Federal Government’s announcement regarding the future direction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), highlighting the growing funding gap faced by young people with disability.

Youngcare acknowledges that there has been reported instances of the scheme being misused, which has had the potential to reduce funding for those most in need.

Youngcare CEO Clare Stewart said it was important the review looked at the financial sustainability of the Scheme, along with measures to ensure funding goes to those most in need.

“Any review of the NDIS needs to ensure that funding goes to those who need it most and any opportunities to take advantage of the Scheme are extinguished.

“It also needs to consider the role of organisations like Youngcare to fill any subsequent funding gaps, which we are seeing on a daily basis.

“Across the country, young people with disability are going without the items they need to live safely and with dignity.

“Even with an NDIS plan, many cannot access specialised wheelchairs, communication devices, home modifications or essential daily supports.

“This gap has real consequences for independence, safety and quality of life and is likely to widen as a result of the NDIS review.”

Youngcare delivers grants and specialist disability housing to young people with high physical support needs, often stepping in when NDIS funding is delayed, unavailable or insufficient.

“Our grants programs exist because the gap is real,” Ms Stewart said. “Every week we see young people who urgently need equipment or modifications but cannot access them through the Scheme. Youngcare is often the difference between someone receiving life‑changing support or going without.”

With the Government considering changes to eligibility, individual participant funding levels or participant supports, Youngcare is urging a collaborative approach to ensure no young person is left behind.

“While we understand the need for reform to ensure the NDIS is sustainable and supports those most in need, any reduction in individual participant funding will inevitably widen the gap.

“Youngcare is ready to work with the Government to help bridge that gap but doing so at scale will require Federal Government investment.

“Youngcare currently receives no recurrent government funding and relies on donors to deliver its grants and housing programs.

“With appropriate government support, we can expand our grants nationally, respond rapidly to urgent needs, and ensure young people are not disadvantaged by future changes to the NDIS. We want to be part of the solution.”

Youngcare has invited the Minister and his Department to meet and discuss how the organisation can support the Government’s reform agenda while safeguarding the wellbeing and independence of young Australians with disability.

“Our goal is simple; every young person deserves access to the supports they need to live a full and dignified life. We look forward to working collaboratively to make that a reality.”