More and more families are deciding to adopt children with special needs. To support this need, the Therapeutic Foster Care program is a licensed adoption agency. Our adoption services are designed to reflect the needs of children with special needs and the families who care for them.

Like the children we serve, our adoptive parents come from diverse cultural, social, and financial backgrounds. They are at least 21 years of age, can be single or married, are self-supporting, rent or own their own home, have experience with children and believe in giving back to their community.

So if you’re ready to help a child in need, read our Steps & Requirements to Become an Adoptive Parent.

Support Services for Adoptive Parents

 Raising a child is never easy, and as the adoptive parent for a child with special needs, we recognize that there may be challenges that you can’t face alone. We are dedicated to helping our adoptive families and we offer a variety of support services and benefits.

  • Adoption Home Studies for Prospective Parents: We want to make sure that you have all the information you need. During your home study, you will meet with a Social Worker skilled in adoption planning who will help train and prepare you. 
     
  • Permanency Support Group: Our support group offers adoptive families a chance to enhance their knowledge and skills while receiving encouragement from one another. It is open to anyone who lives in Maryland and has adopted or is considering adoption. For more information call Kimberly Leffler at (443) 923-5994 or email LefflerK@KennedyKrieger.org.
     
  • Adoption Preparation Training: We’re here for you every step along the way, even before you adopt. When you decide to join our program, we provide pre-service trainingon caring for children with special needs as well as child-specific training. This training will teach you all you need to know about the adoption process.
     
  • Consultation for Families About Subsidy Benefits: Anytime a prospective adoptive parent has a question about subsidy benefits, experienced staff are available to answer their questions. Over time subsidies change, the amounts increase, and new benefits are added, so getting up to date information can be critical.
     
  • Information and Referral for Adoption-related Matters: Adoption is a life-long commitment and we realize that you will continue to have questions and face challenges even years after you adopt. We are committed to helping you with whatever you need, no matter when you need it. Our staff has the most up to date information on adoption laws, community resources, and support systems.
     
  • Six Months of Social Work Consultation: For parents who have just adopted a child, we offer this special consultative service. For up to six months after the adoption, you can continue to turn to our social workers for consultation regarding needed services or child-specific interventions.

How to Contact Us

If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child by becoming an adoptive parent, please call call Kimberly Leffler at (443) 923-5994 or email LefflerK@KennedyKrieger.org.