Welcome to Kennedy Krieger Institute, where we are committed to doing everything we can to help our patients achieve their potential. At Kennedy Krieger, we focus on applying the core values of family-centered care—a best practice in healthcare—through participation, information sharing, dignity, respect, and collaboration.

To ensure your family member’s comfort and safety during his or her stay—and to ensure the smoothest possible transition back to home, school, and community life—we welcome and encourage your involvement throughout the hospital stay, as you are a primary member of our treatment team. This Inpatient Family Handbook and accompanying Patient and Visitor Guide are designed to give you the information you need to be an active participant in your family member’s care. 

Founded in 1937, Kennedy Krieger is an internationally recognized institute dedicated to caring for individuals with disorders and injuries of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system. In our 70-bed specialty hospital, we provide inpatient rehabilitative care for children and adolescents with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, feeding disorders, neurobehavioral disorders, and pain disorders, as well as those recovering from orthopedic surgery. Our interdisciplinary approach to patient care brings together professionals from numerous fields and specialties to create treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of each patient throughout all levels of care. Meanwhile, our researchers and scientists are leading the effort to treat, prevent, and eventually cure these and other disorders. More than 20,000 individuals receive care each year in diverse settings, including our inpatient hospital, outpatient clinics, day treatment program, and community- and home-based programs.

Download the Kennedy Krieger Institute Inpatient Handbook

Policies and Procedures


Please note: Kennedy Krieger reserves the right to make changes to the policies and procedures outlined in the Inpatient Handbook at any time based on public health and safety concerns. The number of visitors allowed can change, depending on many factors. Please refer to our current visitation policy for more information.