Social Worker Adopts Three Sisters So They Won't Be Separated

Ashley Anderson got a call asking if she'd foster one child. She ended up adopting three sisters instead.

The West Palm Beach social worker knew firsthand what separation meant for children in the system.

Anderson, a licensed clinical social worker, had worked alongside foster families and seen the tremendous need. When she received the initial call about Anastasia, she learned the girl had a sister, Aliyah, who needed placement too.

Then came four-month-old Antonique, their youngest sister.

From Zero to Three Children

Within just a few months, Ashley went from zero children to three.

The family now calls themselves the "A-Team" — Ashley, Anastasia, Aliyah, and Antonique.

When a judge ultimately determined reunification was not possible, Ashley received a call asking if she would adopt all three.

The Reality of Sibling Separation

Approximately two-thirds of children in foster care in the United States have a sibling in care. Many will be separated because workers cannot find permanent placements for all the children together.

Studies show that placing siblings in the same home leads to higher rates of placement stability, reunification, adoption and guardianship.

Research indicates siblings placed together experience fewer moves and significant emotional benefits.

Building New Connections

Ashley makes sure the sisters stay connected with their biological brother, maintaining important family ties while building their new life together.

Her goal is simple: give these girls a better path into adulthood than the one they were facing.

Three sisters who could have been scattered across different homes now share the same roof, the same future, and the same last name.