A single foster dad from Ohio has adopted five siblings so they could remain together on National Adoption Day.
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Robert Carter recalled the moment he was separated from his siblings at the age of 12 due to the foster care system in Hamilton County. Years after, he gained custody of his younger siblings after filing for emancipation and since then, he wanted to make a difference in his community. As reported by WLWT, Adoption Worker Stacey Barton said Carter was the only foster parent willing to adopt all five children: Marionna, Makayla, Robert, Giovanni, and Kiontae.
“Mr. Carter was the only foster parent willing and able to adopt all of the children. His childhood background has made him aware of the importance of keeping siblings together. He says that he enjoys being their father and that parenting them is easier than he could have ever imagined! His life is busy, with a lot of love, laughter and loudness! I have enjoyed working with him and witnessing the children bond as siblings.”
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Carter credits taking care of his siblings and volunteering at the South Avondale Elementary School for wanting to adopt the three boys and two girls. He initially fostered the three boys and the girls were living with their foster moms when he planned a get-together for the siblings.
“Every night I talk to them and let them know, ‘I’m your dad forever. I know what it’s like and I’m always here for you.’ Like Marionna. She’s warmed up so much since the beginning. At first, she didn’t like me. She walked in my room last night and said, ‘I just want to say thanks for taking us in and taking care of us when our real mom couldn’t.’ It just really touched me. So just making memories, letting them know I’m here and they never have to go. I’m here for them no matter what.”