Steve and Rob Anderson-McLean, a gay couple from Pennsylvania, knew they had to act when they heard about six siblings who had spent over four years bouncing between foster homes. The kids had already been through so much — neglect, abuse, and the heartbreak of being separated from each other. Instead of letting them be split up, Steve and Rob made a life-changing decision to adopt all six: Carlos, Guadalupe, Maria, Selena, Nasa, and Max.
It wasn’t just about giving them a roof over their heads. It was about making sure they had a place where they could stay together as a family. In a system where big sibling groups are often divided, Steve and Rob’s decision shows just how powerful it is to keep families intact, no matter what. Their story is a reminder that family isn’t always about biology — it’s about love and the commitment to care for one another.
How Foster Care Failed These Six Siblings
Carlos, Guadalupe, Maria, Selena, Nasa, and Max all experienced neglect and abuse before entering the foster system in 2017. They didn’t just lose their home; they lost their sense of security, and the bond they shared as siblings was put to the test. The idea of staying together as a family in the foster care system is rare — large sibling groups are often split up, with younger children prioritized for adoption. For the Anderson-McLeans, this was an important factor in their decision. They knew the children didn’t just need a home; they needed each other.
As Steve and Rob began to learn more about the siblings, they realized how much the children had already been through, and how important it was for them to stay united as a family. The brothers and sisters had been let down by adults so many times before, and their trust in the system had been shattered. That’s when Steve and Rob knew they had to step in and offer the one thing the siblings had been missing: a loving, stable home where they could all stay together.
How Steve and Rob Found the Siblings
In 2018, Steve and Rob’s journey to becoming parents to six children started when they saw a photo of the siblings. The moment they laid eyes on their faces, they knew they couldn’t ignore the connection. As Rob puts it, “We saw their picture and fell in love.”
Many people might have hesitated, thinking that adopting six children would be a huge challenge, but Steve and Rob felt differently. They understood the importance of keeping these siblings together. “So many sibling groups are broken up because people just want to adopt the younger children. Steve and I knew these guys needed to be together,” Rob explained. For Steve and Rob, the decision was clear. They didn’t just want to provide a home for a few of the children; they wanted to give all six a chance at a future together.
The siblings moved in with Steve and Rob in July 2018, and it wasn’t long before the bond between them began to grow stronger. The couple didn’t just become foster parents to the children — they became their safe haven.
The Transition Period Before Adoption
When the siblings first arrived at Steve and Rob’s home, it was clear they had been through a lot. For Carlos, Guadalupe, Maria, Selena, Nasa, and Max, just settling into their new environment was a huge change. In foster care, they had been used to moving from place to place, and their idea of a stable home had been shattered long ago. But that quickly began to change once they were welcomed into Steve and Rob’s care.
Within the first week, the children began asking if they could stay forever. Steve recalls, “We took them to the park and to the zoo. We played in the yard. That was all new to them. Having fun was new to them.” For the first time in a long while, the kids had the opportunity to just enjoy being kids. The simple moments — playing outside, going on outings, and experiencing the joy of having fun together — were a refreshing change from the hardship they had faced in the past.
While Steve and Rob were excited to welcome the children into their family, they also had their own worries. They were concerned about how Carlos, the oldest, would react to having same-sex parents. Teenagers, especially those who had already been through so much, can sometimes struggle with big changes. But their fears were quickly put to rest. “We thought with Carlos being a teen, he might have a hard time, but it has not bothered him one bit,” Steve said.
For Steve and Rob, seeing the kids begin to feel safe and at ease in their new home was all the reassurance they needed. It wasn’t just about providing a roof over their heads — it was about giving them the emotional support they’d been missing for so long.
The Moment the Kids Finally Found Their Forever Home
For the six siblings, the adoption wasn’t just a legal change—it marked the end of a long and painful journey through the foster care system. The moment the adoption was finalized on May 23, 2019, there was a profound sense of relief in the air. This wasn’t just about paperwork or a court decision—it was about finally finding a family that would never let them go.
The kids had spent years moving from one foster home to another, often without ever feeling truly settled. Now, with Steve and Rob, they finally had the sense of belonging they had always longed for. Carlos, the oldest, shared how meaningful this change was for him, saying, “I’m not a foster kid anymore. I don’t have to carry that title around. I finally have a real family.”
Even the youngest, Max, had his moment of joy when he shouted with excitement, “I’m adopted. You can’t be unadopted right?” Max’s innocent question spoke volumes about the fear and uncertainty that had haunted the children before. His reassurance from Steve—that he would always be part of the family—was a turning point for all of them.
The siblings were no longer just children in a system—they were children with a family, with a future. For Steve and Rob, the feeling was just as powerful. Rob reflected on the transformation, saying, “We feel so lucky. It feels like our emotional bonds were years in the making.”
In that moment, the family was whole. And for the children, the feeling of being truly wanted and loved was something they would carry with them for the rest of their lives.
The Anderson-McLean Family Today
Today, the Anderson-McLean family is thriving, and it’s clear that their bond goes beyond just the legal papers. Life with six kids, including the couple’s two sons from a previous marriage, Parker and Noah, is busy, loud, and full of love. Steve and Rob’s daily life may have changed dramatically, but it’s a change they wouldn’t trade for anything.
Steve, who left his career as a wedding planner to become a stay-at-home dad, now devotes his time to the kids. “Our lives are full of chaos, but it’s the best kind of chaos,” he says. Rob, on the other hand, continues to work as an engineer for Norfolk Southern Railway, but he too is heavily involved in family life.
The couple has embraced their role as parents to a large and growing family, and they’ve made sure to adapt to their new responsibilities. One of their first big purchases after the adoption? A minivan, affectionately dubbed their “soccer dad” van, to make transporting their bigger family a little easier.
Through all the changes, one thing has remained constant: the love they share for each other. The siblings, once separated by the foster care system, are now growing up together, with all the joy and comfort of a real family. The kids are thriving in a home where they feel safe, loved, and supported every day. The Anderson-McLeans are not just raising children; they’re creating a home full of laughter, adventure, and lasting memories.
The Love That Kept Six Siblings Together
Steve and Rob Anderson-McLean’s story shows just how powerful love and family can be. It’s a reminder that family isn’t about genetics or traditional labels; it’s about the bond you create through care, support, and the willingness to put others first. By adopting six siblings who had already been through so much, Steve and Rob gave them the one thing they needed most — each other.
In a foster care system where siblings are often torn apart, the Anderson-McLeans made sure these kids stayed together. And for the siblings — Carlos, Guadalupe, Maria, Selena, Nasa, and Max — that’s everything. They don’t have to worry about being separated anymore. They don’t have to wonder if they belong. They know they’re home, with people who will love and protect them forever.
For Steve and Rob, the decision to adopt all six siblings changed their lives in ways they never imagined. Their once-quiet home is now filled with laughter, chaos, and the beautiful mess of family life. What began as a simple desire to help turned into a journey of transformation, proving that love, when given the chance, can turn strangers into family.
Featured Image Source: Steve Anderson-McLean on Facebook
