Volunteer Legal Services of Hawaii has received a national award for its efforts to bring together siblings separated in foster care.

The Angels in Adoption Award is given by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute to individuals, families or organizations that have taken "significant steps" to improve the lives of children in need of permanent homes.

The institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created in 2001 to increase congressional and public awareness about the issue of adoption.

The award was presented recently by U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka to VLSH board member and Chaminade Business School professor Wayne Tanna.