I Was 29 and Single When I Fought to Keep Five Siblings Together. The Judge Asked Why, and My Answer Changed Everything.

He was standing in the place where a parent should have been.

I called the listed agency and asked to be considered.

The woman on the phone explained that I couldn’t simply collect children I didn’t know.

I needed screening, home visits, references, training, and approval, and there were more suitable applicants with years of experience.

‘I understand,’ I told her.

‘But is anyone willing to take all five?’

She paused.

‘Not at this time.’