The foster care system is notorious for negative outcomes and stories of greed. Foster children, especially teenagers, don’t always find a happy ending. One teenager in Texas, however, found a home in an unexpected place.
Why a Foster Dad Wanted to Adopt a Teenager
Laterras R. Whitfield was the only single Black man looking to become a foster parent in his foster care licensing class. Despite the odd looks he got from other attendees, he felt strongly that he was setting a good example for young men like him, and was looking forward to getting started on his foster parent journey.
He was in the class because he wanted to foster, and eventually adopt, his seven year old nephew LaDarrion. Laterras’ sister had been forced to surrender her son to CPS (Child Protection Services) due to her drug addiction, and LaDarrion spent seven months bouncing between foster homes until his uncle stepped in.
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In 2017, after two years as a foster parent, Laterras officially adopted his nephew. The whole event inspired Laterras to make a promise to himself: He would adopt again, but next time it would be a teenager.
Local Texas news station WFAA runs a weekly program calledWednesday’s Child, which features children who have been in the foster care system for a long period of time. The children who are featured on the show have parents who have terminated their parental rights, essentially making them orphans and candidates for adoption.
What One Dad Did When He Saw a Teen on the Wednesday’s Child Show
One day, Laterras was watching Wednesday’s Child and, through that program, became aware of teenager Armani Green. The producers of the show contacted Laterras because Armani wanted to feed the homeless during his segment -- an amazing activity that Laterras was passionate about.
When he finally met Armani, he knew instantly that the boy would be his son. The very next day, Laterras got the ball rolling to renew his foster care license. On July 8, Armani’s 16th birthday, he was placed in Laterras’ home. Then, on November 23rd, Laterras officially adopted him.
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"The love of these boys has changed me forever. Because of my experience, I encourage you to open your heart and home to become involved in the lives of the precious souls in the foster care system. There are many ways to become engaged: [...] volunteer, respite care provider, foster care parent, and, ultimately, an adoptive parent," he said.
Your love can truly change the trajectory of a child’s life, and I am living proof of this.
Laterras R. Whitfield
Laterras, who also has biological children, is an amazing advocate for the foster care system and for adoption. While it certainly isn’t easy, becoming an adoptive parent and giving a child in need a home, and even more importantly, a loving family, is the greatest gift you can give.
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Single Mom & Former Foster Child Adopts 6 Boys - Gives Them the Family She Never Had
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.