SEATTLE – Leading children’s advocate and State Representative Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle) is being honored with the prestigious 2011 Angels in Adoption Award for his extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of homes.
As the Majority Caucus Chair and representative for one of the most diverse legislative districts in Washington, Pettigrew continues to lead the way in helping at-risk youth and foster children statewide.
“I am truly honored, and I look forward to continuing to work hard for all children in Washington,” Pettigrew said. “Every child should have a safe home and the opportunity to succeed in life.”
Pettigrew has been recognized for his work on behalf of children by a wide range of child advocacy groups, including the Mockingbird society, ParentMap, and the Children’s Alliance.
During the 2011 Legislative Session, Pettigrew co-sponsored legislation to extend foster care services to eligible foster youth up to age twenty-one. This meant medical assistance, help in meeting basic needs and additional benefits for foster youth.
In addition to his ongoing work as a legislator, Pettigrew can speak from firsthand experience as an adoptive parent when recognizing the importance of foster care youth services. While realizing the magnitude of foster care as an issue in the United States, Pettigrew decided to adopt his daughter Linda in 2005.
When asked about the adoption, Pettigrew said, “Adopting Linda was an eye-opening experience for me and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Learn more about Pettigrew’s work by clicking here to view his sponsored legislation.