'I'm Your Dad Forever': Single Dad Adopts 5 Siblings So They Can Stay Together

November 3, 2020

A single foster dad in Ohio adopted five siblings on Friday to ensure all the children stayed together.

dad adopts 5 siblings to keep together
Hamilton County JFS Adoption & Foster Care Recruitment

Robert Carter officially became the father of Marionna, Makayla, Robert, Giovanni and Kiontae. As someone who spent time in foster care, Carter said he knows first hand how it feels to be removed from a biological home and separated from siblings.

When he was 12, Carter went into foster care in Hamilton County, Ohio, and didn't see some of his younger siblings for years. He later was granted custody of his younger sister and guardianship of his younger brother.

"When permanent custody was awarded to JFS, the five siblings were already placed in three different foster homes," Adoption Worker Stacey Barton said. "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."

"I understand how they feel. I understand what they went through, so it really touched me. I was already thinking about adopting all of the kids but when I saw them crying, I was like, 'Ok, I'm going to take all five to keep them together'," Carter said.

""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."


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesHungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

feel good storiesWild Orcas Keep Giving Humans Gifts, Leaving Experts Puzzled

feel good storiesMy Girlfriend Gifted Me My Father’s Handwriting To Keep Forever

feel good storiesWe Can’t Stop Looking At These Adorable Baby Loon Photos Taken On A Lake

feel good storiesThis Couple Built A Grass Patch For Their Cat, And She’s Obsessed With It

feel good videoBaby Elephant’s Trunk Steals The Show In Adorable Treat Time Video

feel good video'Am I Allowed To Be This Happy?' The Moment A Nervous Foster Dog Finally Lies In A Dog Bed

feel good videoGrandma Thinks She's 60. Her Reaction To Learning She's 90 Is Priceless

feel good videoWhat Happens When A Man With A Hose Meets A Group of Kids? Pure Magic

feel good videoChicken Or Pigeon? The Internet Can’t Believe This Bird Is Real

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me