Adopting a child is quite the process. By the end, parents are exhausted… and then have a new lifestyle they are just starting! As crazy as it may be, one family took it to the next level when they didn’t just adopt one child into their family – they adopted five. And they already had four kids!
The story is absolutely wild and spans more than 1,600 days. For the Hinkle family, it wasn’t a moment too soon. The Hinkles live in Cheektowaga, New York, and have a family of their own. The two parents have four children, but have been involved with foster care for some time.
It really does take a village! Here’s everyone involved in today’s AMAZING adoption ceremony. The Hinkles added five siblings, bring them to a family of 11! These siblings spent 1,647 days looking for their forever family. So happy they found it! ❤️ @SPECNews1BUF pic.twitter.com/ZdyUKUkWuX
— Viktoria Hallikäär (@ViktoriaKrista) March 11, 2022
In fact, the foster care system is where the story begins. The couple has been looking after foster children for years and it is a near and dear part of their life. One day, however, things changed. They got a call that there was a need for the couple to watch three kids for a very quick placement.
The placement wasn’t as “quick” as the Hinkles originally thought, but they didn’t care! Three siblings were staying with them, but soon, another two were added. Separating the siblings wasn’t an option and even though it was a stretch, the Hinkles didn’t mind fostering them for a while.
The stay didn’t end with the five kids going back into the system, however! After some talking, the Hinkles knew that it was meant to be. These kids had spent years of their life with the family and it wasn’t just a foster situation anymore. The decision was officially made: the Hinkles wanted to adopt them!
Roberta told Spectrum 1 News:
“There are so many kids in foster care who are separated and don’t see their siblings, and it is just heartbreaking because these poor children, this isn’t their fault. They don’t understand what’s going on. That was how we made our final decision to bring all five together. We just couldn’t bear the thought of them not being together.”
Judge LoVallo: “The fact that you guys are staying together is amazing.” pic.twitter.com/lT5T9GBmpc
— Pheben Kassahun (@PhebenKassahun) March 11, 2022
“All of the Hinkles want all of you to be their family forever and ever and ever, that’s still true?” asked Judge Sharon LoVallo.
The answer was an easy one – YES! The Hinkle family was immediately bigger and the hopes over the past four years soon turned into a reality.
“We prayed on it and this is where God led us,” said Roberta Hinkle.
It’s official! Siblings Cassie, Jordan, Eli, Jack and Mila share a last name with the Hinkles!! #ADOPTED 🤗🎊🎉 pic.twitter.com/UV2Yzzur2w
— Pheben Kassahun (@PhebenKassahun) March 11, 2022
With so many kids, things were about to change. At least the Hinkles were going to have plenty of helping hands.
“We’ve been doing it for a long time, so we’re kind of used to it. We did have to buy a bigger house. We did have to buy a bigger house and a bigger car, but we bring the party. Wherever we go, we bring the crew,” the couple shared with WKBW.
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