HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio — Because he had been a foster child himself growing up, Robert Carter knew what he had to do when five siblings risked being separated for life in the foster care system.
On Friday, which was National Adoption Day, Carter, a single dad in Hamilton County (Ohio), adopted all five of the children to make sure they remained together.
Carter was already fostering the three boys in the family, but when he found out they had two sisters, he lept into action after seeing the emotional toll it took on all the children when they were forced apart.
“I understand how they feel,” Carter said. “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 was 12-years-old when he was placed in the same foster care system, according to WLWT. After not seeing his siblings for years, he knew he couldn't let that happen to anyone else.
"I've never had a single father adopt five children," said Stacey Barton, Carter's adoption case manager. "His childhood background has made him aware of the importance of keeping siblings together."
With all the children now under one roof, Carter makes sure his children know they are a family again.
“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.’
