OFM_Profile_Sunshine_State_Adoption_1120_Profile 10 / 28 / 20 4 : 51 PM Page 1 PROMOTION B U S I N E S S I G H T S P O T L from beginning to end and get them into the adop - tion pool sooner . ” Hewitt’s agency even kept pace during the pandemic . “ Starting the home study process in the middle of the pandemic was something that made me think we might experience a significant delay in being approved , but from the first call Debra set a timeline that exceeded my expectations and helped us move forward on our journey confi - Not If , dently , ” says K.W . , another client . “ I was quite ner - vous for our home visit but with Debra it was a very pleasant experience . We especially appreciated all of the wisdom , educational resources and support she provided us along the way . We look forward to our post - placement visits once we are matched and But bring a baby home . ” Not only does Hewitt have experience as an adoptive parent , but so do all of the social workers on staff . “ We know personally where our clients have been and that feeds our passion , ” she says . When “ They are not just a number to us — in fact they have our cell phone numbers Welcoming the child and when they reach out , we return calls on the same day . ” The agency serves the you’ve always wanted is entire state of Florida and does not charge any travel fees . possible with the help of During the process , Hewitt and the Sunshine State Adoption & other social workers at Sunshine State make sure to educate families and individ - Home Study Services . uals , especially when it comes to being matched . by LIZ HUNTER “ Adoption is not a competition . That’s one of the misconceptions , ” she hen reflecting on the milestones in your says , adding that each adoptive family life , there are likely several individuals makes a profile book that birth mothers who helped along the way , guiding you to A home study is one of the first steps in any look through . “ Birth moms have things in mind that accomplishment . Maybe it was a W adoption . “ People shouldn't worry about someone they are looking for , it could be same - sex couples , teacher who never gave up on you , a colleague coming with a single parents or active families who go to Disney who encouraged you to go for that promotion or a white glove for inspection — it’s about frequently . It’s a wide variety of factors . ” friend who ran those marathon miles with you . the family who lives there , ” Hewitt explains . Home Once that baby finally comes to them , there is For people who want to start or grow their family studies are conducted by a professional who is never any doubt it was meant to be . “ For families through adoption , Debra Hewitt is prepared to be licensed by the Department of Children and Family who do wait for a match , when they get picked they by their side . Services , and consist of interviews with family mem - always say the wait was worth it . Everyone ends up “ The adoption process is one of the most frus - bers , background checks ( such as child abuse clear - with the child they were meant to have , ” Hewitt trating journeys I ever endured , but it was all worth ances and criminal record checks ) , a review of continues . it thanks to Debra , ” says K.F . , a client . “ She was finances , employment and health records , references Throughout her career , Hewitt has helped place there every step of the way ; always positive and sup - and visits to the home . over 2,000 children into loving homes , and nothing portive , even during those times when I doubted I One of the ways Sunshine State Adoption & is more rewarding than having families come back to wanted to continue . In fact , when I was most Home Study Services has made the process easier is by providing forms and paperwork on its website . h oubtful that I would ever be able to adopt , Debra er to adopt a second or even third child . d “ Everything they need to fill out to get started is found an amazing young man that needed a dad , “ My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting online , so even if they decide one night at 11 p.m . and all thanks to her , I have never been happier with Debra in 2017 for our first adoption home study . that this is what they want , they can go on and get an awesome new son . ” We’ve since then adopted two more beautiful chil - started immediately , ” Hewitt says . Hewitt founded Sunshine State Adoption & dren in 2018 and 2020 with the home study com - “ After we meet and have all the paperwork Home Study Services in 2010 . Not only has she pleted each time by Debra , ” says J.B . “ I couldn’t com - worked with adoptive families throughout her career , have found a more thorough and sincere agency to pleted , we can have the home study typed up and she and her husband adopted three children of their complete all three of our home study services . I’ll be ready within a week or so . That’s one of our biggest own . Having experienced the process from both grateful to Debra all my life for helping me complete differences — people aren’t going to be waiting sides , Hewitt knew things could be improved upon . my family . ” months . We can have them ready within 30 days “ When we were going through our home study before adopting , it was a tedious process and took Sunshine State Adoption & Home Study Services months to get our report back . I remember thinking 1344 Vassar Street | Orlando | ( 407 ) 422 - 9136 | SunshineHomeStudy.org it could be streamlined , ” she says . ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM november 2020 ORLANDO FAMILY 11