After their parents die in a tragic car accident, 20-year-old Josh Jerrico takes over as the authority figure of his six younger siblings. But the by-the-rules head of Department of Children Services, Gordon Ormsby, hears of the Jerricos' case and sends new social worker Alana Michaels to investigate and, if accurate, prepare for foster care. Josh assumes the identity of 'Aunt Jelcinda' to combat the authorities.