Emancipated Foster Youth: “A Title that Reflects My Resilience and Determination”

by Savannah Johns

At Adoption Network Cleveland, we are privileged to work with extraordinary individuals who have faced adversity and emerged as advocates for foster youth. Russ Lang, our newest team member and iFoster TAY (Transition Age Youth) AmeriCorps Intern, is one such individual whose journey through the foster care system is a powerful testament to his strength and perseverance.

“Being an emancipated foster youth means a lot to me,” Russ says. “It’s a title that reflects my resilience and determination. I am not ashamed of having grown up in the foster care system; in fact, I am proud to say I did.”

Russ entered the foster care system at age four with his two sisters due to their mother’s struggles. Their mother passed away shortly after that; her health compromised by years of substance abuse. Russ spent more than fourteen years in the child welfare system, initially living with his uncle in a kinship placement before the county took permanent custody. He then spent six years in a foster home before moving to a new placement just six months before high school graduation.

Upon graduation, he was emancipated from foster care and faced adulthood without the safety net of family. Despite the challenges of transitioning to living independently, Russ believes his time in foster care has profoundly shaped who he is today. It presented him with unique situations and challenges he never would have faced otherwise.

Russ is often asked if he would change his upbringing if given the chance, and the answer is always no. “I wouldn't be who I am today without those experiences,” he says. “I view my trauma not as something that holds me back but as a series of valuable learning experiences. These challenges have shaped me into the young man you see today.”

One significant challenge Russ faced was the loss of identity. “Without a stable figure to base myself on, I felt adrift and unsure of who I was,” he recalls. He also struggled with a lack of nurturing care, which made it difficult to feel valued and loved.

Russ worked hard to overcome these struggles and has reflected on two important lessons that have helped him. “First, I have realized the importance of self-love and prioritizing myself,” he shares. “I understand I must take care of my own needs and well-being before I can effectively support others.” This lesson has taught him that valuing and loving himself is essential for personal growth and happiness.

Second, he has learned that he always has more to learn and that staying curious is crucial. “Embracing curiosity allows me to approach life with an open mind and a willingness to learn from new experiences and perspectives,” he says. “By acknowledging that there is always more to learn, I have gained a deeper understanding of the world and become more adaptable and knowledgeable.”

Russ offers this advice to his peers: “Taking care of yourself is crucial as it lays the foundation for everything else in your life. Once you start caring for yourself, it will become clearer what you want to do with your life and how to achieve your goals. Set achievable goals for yourself, and remember that progress is more important than perfection. By focusing on yourself, and setting realistic goals, you can start building a path towards a fulfilling and successful future.”

Russ is most passionate about his artwork, which he transformed into a business during college by highlighting his area's natural and urban landscapes. “It allows me to express emotions that I can’t physically show, providing a powerful outlet for my creativity and feelings,” he says. Through his art, Russ captures the unique charm and character of different places, sharing the beauty of Cleveland and beyond. “This passion fuels my personal growth and satisfaction and enhances my professional endeavors by connecting me with the community and showcasing the vibrant culture and beauty that surrounds us.” You can view his work at russlangphotography.com.

Russ recently graduated from Cleveland State University, where he received support from the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship, a fund designed for highly motivated foster youth who aspire to achieve higher education. Following his graduation, Russ became an intern with iFoster, a program that supports young people aged 16 to 26 in transitioning to self-sufficiency by providing resources, employment opportunities, supportive services, and peer navigators.

In his role with iFoster, Russ acts as a guide in his community, informing other foster youth about the resources and support that iFoster offers. This experience allows him to gain useful skills working with a nonprofit organization and enhances his ability to support his peers on their journeys to independence. Thanks to iFoster, Adoption Network Cleveland has the privilege of working with Russ.

 At Adoption Network Cleveland, Russ is instrumental in raising awareness of the mission, participating in programs, and helping to create new outreach and social initiatives. His responsibilities include documenting contacts, planning events, and offering a warm welcome to those seeking support. Through his work, Russ demonstrates his commitment to fostering a sense of connection and providing resources to those in need.

Russ is well-acquainted with Adoption Network Cleveland, having first engaged with the organization through its mentoring program. Although he initially declined a mentor because he felt overwhelmed by the many people involved in his life, Russ decided to join our supportive group, Get Real, for teens in foster care. “This group helped me feel more connected and made me realize that my struggles were shared by others in my community,” he recalls. “It gave me a sense of normalcy that I had never experienced before.”

“Adoption Network Cleveland is important to me because they have always been there for me, even when I initially refused their support,” he says. “They understood my need for space but still kept in contact, showing their unwavering commitment. I love the advocacy work that Adoption Network Cleveland does and I am impressed by how well-informed and aware the staff is. It is truly refreshing to be in an environment that fully understands me and supports my journey.”

As Russ looks toward the future, he is eager to harness his experience and develop his advocacy skills to make a meaningful impact. “My goal is to learn how to leverage my personal experiences in a meaningful and impactful way, transforming my story into a powerful tool for change,” he says.

At Adoption Network Cleveland, we are committed to providing Russ with the tools and guidance necessary to enhance his advocacy skills. This includes helping him master effective communication with diverse audiences, learn strategies for raising awareness, and gain the knowledge needed to support and empower others. By the end of his internship, we aim for Russ to be well-prepared to make a meaningful impact both in his community and beyond.

“Ultimately, this experience is preparing me to take on leadership roles in the future, allowing me to advocate for vulnerable populations and contribute to creating supportive environments for those in need,” Russ shares. “My long-term goal is to continue making an impact in my community, and this internship is a crucial step toward achieving that.”

Russ’s journey highlights both the struggles and triumphs that come with transitioning from foster care to independence. His story underscores the resilience and strength that emancipated youth display as they navigate life’s challenges without the traditional support systems. Russ’s message to other foster youth is one of hope and perseverance—emphasizing that while the path may be difficult, the experiences gained can shape a powerful and positive future.

At Adoption Network Cleveland, we are deeply grateful for Russ’s contributions and dedication. His work exemplifies the spirit of our mission and the impact that passionate, committed individuals can have. We are proud to support him in this journey and are committed to continuing our efforts to uplift and empower emancipated youth. Together, we can advocate for more comprehensive resources and programs that provide the stability and guidance that youth need to thrive. Join us in making a difference.

For more information on how you can get involved in policy work with Adoption Network Cleveland, visit adoptionnetwork.org. For additional support or to learn more about services for emancipated youth, visit our Foster Youth & Alumni Resources.

The deeper meaning behind this alumnus' passion for photography, video by Cleveland State University.