By Lauren Padilla
Since 1986, Kennedy Krieger’s Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) program has offered a continuum of services for children and young adults with medically complex, developmental, emotional, and/or behavioral conditions who require temporary or permanent out-of-home placement.
“When we began the program, I never imagined we would have such a profound impact on the lives of the families and children we serve,” says Paul Brylske, longtime director of the TFC program and a licensed clinical social worker, who recently retired after 40 years of service to the Institute.
Today, TFC remains committed to ensuring the best outcomes for those in its care. In 2025, TFC served 52 children and young adults, ranging in age from birth to 21 years old. Of them, 99% achieved placement stability while in the program, Brylske says.
TFC’s foster families are central to its mission. Many have been with the program since its earliest days, including Deborah Barnes, who has served as a TFC foster parent for over 29 years. TFC equips all families—newcomers and veterans alike—with expert-developed training, specialized resources, and 24/7 on-call support. TFC’s commitment to its foster families shows: In 2025, 90% of TFC foster parents were satisfied with their training experience.
Reflecting on the program’s 40-year milestone, Christyn Hand, TFC’s newly named program director and a licensed clinical social worker, says, “The future of our program will continue to be built on the hearts and hard work of our foster parents and our dedicated staff.”