It all began in 2019 when Robert decided to become a foster parent. Little did he know that destiny had big plans for him. He opened his heart and home to three brothers: Robert Jr., Giovanni, and Kiontae. But life had more surprises in store. He soon discovered that the boys had two sisters, Marionna and Makayla, who were living in a separate foster home. It had been six long months since the siblings had seen each other.
When Robert brought them together for visits, tears flowed freely. The siblings couldn’t bear to be apart, and that’s when it hit him – he couldn’t let them be separated any longer. “They didn’t want to leave each other, and at that moment, I knew, ok, I have to adopt all five,” he said.
Robert understood their pain all too well because he, too, had experienced the pain of sibling separation during his time in foster care. He had nine siblings, and the youngest one had been absent from his life for fourteen long years. His personal experience taught him how vital it is for siblings to be together, to support and cherish each other.
With love as his guiding force, Robert made a life-changing decision. He embraced the idea of a bigger family, and on October 30, 2020, the family of four officially became a family of six. Stacey Martin, the case manager for the adoption, was amazed by Robert’s act of love.
For children in foster care, having siblings by their side can make all the difference. Siblings offer comfort, support each other’s mental well-being, and help them adjust to new surroundings. Placing them together has been proven to lead to higher rates of successful reunification, adoption, and guardianship.
However, placing siblings in the same foster home is not always easy. Challenges may arise due to the children’s traumatic experiences, the number of siblings, their varying needs, and the timing of their entry into foster care. But caseworkers always strive to keep siblings together, even if it means placing them with different foster parents who are relatives or close friends. They also make sure siblings can stay connected through regular visits, maintaining their precious bond.
Robert Jr., Giovanni, Kiontae, Marionna, and Makayla are fortunate to have a dad like Robert Carter. He has given them the gift of family, the joy of growing up together, and the promise of a bright future filled with love and support. Their story reminds us all that love knows no boundaries, and with a heart as big as Robert’s, anything is possible. Let this heartwarming tale inspire us to spread love, embrace family, and make this world a better place for every child in need.