R. I. Family Court Chief Judge receives national adoption recognition award Rhode Island Family Court Chief Judge Haiganush R. Bedrosian was one of 140 people from across the United States recognized by a congressional group for outstanding advocacy in adoption or foster care issues.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute honored Chief Judge Bedrosian and the others at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2012 as part of its “Angels in Adoption” program. The program provides members of Congress the opportunity to honor individuals, couples organizations from their districts who have made extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of homes.

Chief Judge Bedrosian is the first woman to lead the Rhode Island Family Court, where she has served since 1980. She has undertaken numerous initiatives to improve the lives of children and families served by the court. In January, she hosted the first statewide conference that brought together the Family Court, the Department of Children Youth and Families, and the Department of Education to ensure that all stakeholders were working together to support the educational success of children. In attendance were more than 600 teachers, school personnel, social workers, lawyers, law enforcement officers and court staff.

She has served on numerous task forces, boards and commissions that have looked out for the interests of children and their families in the judicial system. She has presided over countless adoptions for families across Rhode Island.

The award ceremony was followed the next evening by a gala at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington. National awards were presented to actress Katherine Heigl, singer/songwriter Josh Kelley, and PEOPLE Magazine.