The Duffee Family:

Parents: Shawn and Theresa
Adopted Child: Amber

After raising three children of their own, Shawn and Theresa Duffee were determined to share their love and hearts with foster children. From the first day they met Amber, when she was 13 and had come to them for respite care, the Duffee family knew they had met a loving, bubbly child who was so appreciative of every new experience. Amber was determined to stay with the Duffees and convinced her caseworker and therapist to allow her to do so. Amber had been moved from various foster homes since entering foster care at the age of 10. It was only after coming to the Duffees that she was able to experience her first full year in the same household where she was able to attend the same school and keep her same friends.

After living with the Duffees for a year, Amber graduated from therapeutic care and was moved to another foster home, although Theresa spoke with her every day and visited as often as she could. Three years later, Amber was back with the Duffees in pre-adoptive placement, and in September of 2009, Amber was officially adopted by Theresa and Shawn.

On Amber's adoption day, the Duffee family was on pins and needles as the judge officially welcomed the family into parenthood, again! "Amber was just thrilled when the judge told her she was adopted. It's an indescribable feeling," said Theresa.

The Duffees encourage families who are thinking of adoption to look at Florida's children first. "Look around your community and help those children who are in need right in your own backyard," says Theresa. "If you have enough love to share, adoption can be a joyous experience."

Today, Amber is working hard in school and wants to be a pediatrician. "We're all stronger because of this experience," concludes Theresa. "She has goals and aspirations, and we're rooting her on all the way. It was all of our dreams to make Amber part of our family and we couldn't ask for more."

Shawn, a psychologist, and Theresa continue to foster children with therapeutic needs and have been doing so for four years. "It almost felt like God was pushing us to be foster parents," said Theresa.

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