Therapeutic Foster Care: Meet Our Families

‘Family is Whoever is Living Under Our Roof’: Melissa and Doug Kurzmiller on 15 Years of Fostering and Adopting Through Kennedy Krieger’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program

Melissa Kurzmiller and her husband, Doug, were thinking about becoming foster parents. One of Melissa’s colleagues, a social worker, suggested they consider Kennedy Krieger’s Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) program.

Therapeutic Foster Care Program Celebrates 40th Anniversary

On May 16, 2026, Kennedy Krieger's Therapeutic Foster Care program held a special celebration to mark the program's 40th anniversary.

A New Branch of Love: Stella Cotton’s Journey Meeting and Adopting Her Son, Jasper, through Kennedy Krieger’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program

When Stella Cotton accepted a role at Kennedy Krieger Institute over a decade ago, she wasn’t just choosing a job. Though she didn’t know it then, she was taking the first steps on a path that would lead her to her son.

Once Family, Always Family: Deborah Barnes’ 29-Year Journey as a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent With Kennedy Krieger

Twenty-nine years of service to anything is impressive. But 29 years of service as a therapeutic foster care parent is incredible.

Erica Carter's Story at the Therapeutic Foster Care Program

As a single mother in her 30s with a grown son, she defied foster care statistics when she welcomed a child with special needs into her home and then opened her door to the boy’s two brothers as well. Then, when she chose to adopt all three boys—each with developmental disorders—she outdid herself.

Pat Neal's Story at the Therapeutic Foster Care Program

She wears no decorations or medals; she’s quiet and unassuming in her nursing scrubs, but there is no question that Pat Neal is exceptional.