THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR JAY ROCKEFELLER.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a ceremony last night in Washington, D.C., Dennis Sutton, of Charleston, W.Va., was honored as an Angel in Adoption. Nominated by Senator Jay Rockefeller, a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Sutton joined other advocates from across the country being recognized for their efforts to improve the lives of foster and adopted children.

As CEO of the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, Sutton has dedicated his organization’s program to securing homes for West Virginia’s vulnerable children based on the concept that every child is entitled to a loving family and home. For more than 110 years, the Society’s priority has been to bring children and families together throughout the state.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be able to highlight the work of such a devoted West Virginian,” Rockefeller said. “Dennis has been a source of inspiration and hope to so many children and families in West Virginia and across the country. He certainly deserves this honor, and I thank him for the remarkable work he does on behalf of the children who need us most. I look forward to continuing our work together.”

“This recognition reflects the success of the combined efforts of the Children’s Home Society’s staff, board members, foster parents, adoptive parents, volunteers, contributors and supporters,” said Sutton. “We are appreciative of the recognition and the continued opportunity to help make sure that every child in West Virginia has a life time family.”

Sutton’s commitment to children can be further seen in his participation as a founding member of the Children’s Home Society of America (CHSA). A national organization, CHSA is comprised of the leading child welfare agencies across the country and aims to promote the safety, nurturing and well-being of vulnerable children. This organization works to make the adoption process easier for everyone involved and put children in the care of stable families.

“To me, it’s clear that this kind of work merits the Angel in Adoption Award,” Rockefeller said. “Dennis has laid the groundwork for a better adoption process, and has put forth a bold vision to strengthen families across our nation.”

Angels in Adoption is the signature program of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, which provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to honor the good work of constituents who have enriched the lives of foster and adopted children.