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Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
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| Help COCAF While You Shop!
Use AmazonSmile when you shop Amazon, and support COCAF at the same time! Shop at AmazonSmile and 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchases can be donated to the nonprofit of your choice - including COCAF. Your donations help adoptive families in Colorado find the services they need to keep their families safe, healthy, and thriving. Click here to start shopping.
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CLASSROOM |
TRBI Caregiver Training: Connecting Principles - Addressing Attachment Needs
Friday
February 2, 2018
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
February 13, 2018
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
The GRANDcares Project: Powerful Tools for Caregivers & Grandfamilies
FREE 6 Week Class
Thursdays
Feb 8 - March 22, 2018
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Aurora Mental Health Center
1504 Galena St
Aurora, CO
Guardianship and Options When a Person Turns 18:
Part 1
Tuesday
February 13, 2018
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DDRC
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
Call Megan Martin to register at
303-462-6590
Mobilizing Families
Thursdays
February 15-March 22, 2018
The Arc
13949 W Colfax Ave
Denver West Building 1, Ste 150
Lakewood, CO 80228
Plan for the Future for a Person with Disabilities
Tuesday
February 20, 2018
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DDRC
W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
Call Megan Martin 303-462-6590 for more info.
Adoption Assistance Benefits and Eligibility
Thursday
February 22, 2018
1:00 p.m.
Guardianship and Options When a Person Turns 18:
Part 2
Tuesday
February 27, 2018
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DDRC
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
Call Megan Martin to register at
303-462-6590
Advocating for Adoption Assistance
Tuesday
March 20, 2018
1:00 p.m.
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TBRI® Caregiver Training
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Intro & Overview
March 16, 2018
May 4, 2018
July 20, 2018
September 21, 2018
November 2, 2018
Connecting Principles - Addressing Attachment Needs
February 2, 2018
August 3, 2018
Empowering Principles - Addressing Physical Needs
April 20, 2018
October 19, 2018
Correcting Principles - Addressing Fear-Based Behaviors
June 15, 2018
December 7, 2018
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WEBINARS
Disability Webinar Training Debunking the Myth:
Getting an SSA disability application approved on your first try
!
Six one-hour webinars covering the following topics:
(5) The SSA Adult Function Report February 8, 2018
(6) Transition from Childhood to Adult Disability February 15, 2018
4:30 p.m. MST
$20 per webinar or $100 for all six.
How to Talk about Difficult Birth Histories: Part 4 Product of Rape/Prostitution
Wednesday
February 7, 2018
12:15 p.m. - 12:35 p.m.
How to Talk about Difficult Birth Histories: Part 5 Human Trafficking
Wednesday
February 14, 2018
12:15 p.m. - 12:35 p.m.
Environmental Influences on Children's Health and Development
Wednesday
February 14, 2018
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dismantling Racial Inequality
Thursday
February 15, 2018
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Privilege, Racism, & Oppression 101: Part 1 Understanding the Lingo & System
Wednesday
February 21, 2018
12:15 p.m. - 21:45 p.m.
Adoption Assistance Benefits and Eligibility
Thursday
February 22, 2018
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Trauma 101: Trauma-Informed Parenting
Monday
February 26, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Privilege, Racism, & Oppression 101: Part 2 Recognizing Microaggressions
Wednesday
February 28, 2018
12:15 p.m. - 21:45 p.m.
Privilege, Racism, & Oppression 101: Part 3 How to Respond to Your Child After Negative Racial Incidents
Wednesday
March 7, 2018
12:15 p.m. - 21:45 p.m.
Advocating for Adoption Assistance
Tuesday
March 20, 2018
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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| CONFERENCES |
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Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conference
Thursday-Saturday
February 22-24, 2018
Colorado Springs, CO
Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conference
Thursday-Saturday
April 26-28, 2018
Crested Butte, CO
NACAC Annual Conference
August 7-10, 2018
St Paul, Minnesota
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Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
Participating theatres:
Saturday
February 10
Maze Runner The Death Cure
Tuesday
February 13
Peter Rabbit
Saturday
February 24
Black Panther
Tuesday
February 27
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FREE RESOURCES
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Looking for books or movies about adoption? Or how to deal with school-related adoption issues?
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COCAF has worked diligently for almost 20 years to ensure families who adopted from the foster care system were given the appropriate adoption assistance (subsidy).
In this newsletter, read about steps COCAF has taken to address adoption assistance issues with the counties in the article below.
If you are in the process of adopting from foster care, take the time to attend NACAC's two webinars on adoption assistance (see all webinars in the left panel of this newsletter) or click here.
If you are in the process of adopting from the foster care system and your social worker has told you that if you're asking about the adoption assistance program that you don't really care about your child - know that comment (or others like it) are completely inappropriate and untrue. As a parent, you should do everything possible to ensure the best future for your child, and that includes making sure you have the financial stability needed to cover all your child's current and future needs.
Happy hearts!
K. Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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Child Protection Ombudsman's Report
In 2016, COCAF and another statewide organized filed a complaint with the Child Protection Ombudsman concerning issues with adoption assistance (subsidy) administration in Colorado. COCAF has been a leader in advocating on behalf on adoptive families in Colorado for almost 20 years, and adoption assistance issues have always been a top priority.
Click here to go to the final report and recommendations completed by the Child Protection Ombudsman's Report regarding adoption assistance and adoption support services across the state. The report details multiple recommendations in two areas.
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Medicaid Still on the Cutting Block
House and Senate Republicans and Democrats are meeting at the end of the month to determine their respective caucus' legislative priorities for 2018.
Key House and Senate leaders have indicated that they would like to cut spending on federal program such as Medicaid in response to the 1.5 trillion-dollar loss of revenue due to the tax cuts. Some leaders have been careful to say that Medicare and Social Security are off the table for possible cuts but Medicaid, food assistance, Supplemental Security Income and others remain targets. This is a continuation of the fight in 2017 except they are using different messaging. Medicaid is at risk whether they are calling it "welfare reform" or "opportunities" or "jobs for people," the end result is reducing enrollment in Medicaid and spending less on the program.
The only feasible way for Congress to enact major cuts or caps to Medicaid this year is through special budget rules (known as reconciliation) that allow the Senate to pass budget-related legislation with a simple majority. But reconciliation cannot proceed without first passing a budget resolution that includes instructions that would allow the Senate to use special budget rules. We must remind Congress that we want to protect Medicaid and other programs. Insist that Congress refuse to include reconciliation instructions in any budget legislation and instead seek bipartisan efforts to strengthen Medicaid and other social programs people with disabilities rely on.
Take Action
Call your Representative and Senators today: 202-224-3121. EVERY call matters. If we can prevent Congress from passing a budget, then Congress will not be able to cut or cap Medicaid. Act now as Congress will be deciding what direction to take at the end of the month.
What to Say:
- I am your constituent.
- I am a person with a disability (or a family member, or professional in the field) OR I am an adoptive parent whose adopted child relies on Medicaid.
- Medicaid provides critical services to people with disabilities as well children adopted through the foster care system.
- Protect Medicaid from cuts and caps.
- Do not pass a budget that allows Medicaid cuts.
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Understanding the Benefits of Support Groups
From the Child Welfare Adoption Triad
Individuals touched by adoption are united by a unique bond. Support groups for foster and adoptive parents can provide valuable opportunities for open and honest dialogue about common experiences or issues related to adoption. Regardless of the type of organization sponsoring a group or the formal and/or informal nature of the setting, support groups bring together parents who likely face similar challenges and questions as they redefine themselves as adoptive families.
Parents can offer valuable insights based on their own adoption experience and give and receive support through an exchange that benefits all parties. Adoption support groups are a great way to explore practical problem solving, coping strategies, and where to find extra help or resources if or when they are needed.
- Browse the National Foster Care and Adoption Directory (NFCAD) to search for parent support groups in your area. The NFCAD includes birth family and adoptee search support groups as well as kinship, foster care, and adoption support groups.
- Visit the North American Council on Adoptable Children's website to connect with additional organizations and support groups across the country and Canada.
3. Explore the American Adoption Congress to identify support groups that may best meet your needs.
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Kinship Parents Support Group
Catholic Charities provides several support groups for kinship parents:
- Margaret Carpenter Rec. Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd, Thornton, CO 80233. Childcare is available with an RSVP. Starting in February, the two groups will meet:
- 2nd Thursday of every month, 10am-12pm (February 8)
- 3rd Tuesday of every month, 10am-12pm (February 20)
Caregivers may attend both groups.
- Notre Dame Catholic Church, Parish Hall (use the entrance to the school), 2175 S. Zenobia St. Denver, CO 80219
- 2nd Monday of every month, 5pm-7pm. Childcare is available with an RSVP.
- Castle Rock Senior Center, 2323 Woodlands Blvd, Castle Rock, 5:30-7:30pm, Feb 13.
- Community First Foundation, 5855 Wadsworth Bypass, Arvada, 10am-12pm, Feb 14.
- Swansea Rec Center, 2650 E. 49th Ave, Denver (for Spanish-speaking caregivers). 5:30-7:30pm, Feb 15.
- Risen Christ, 3060 S. Monaco Pkwy, Denver, 5-7pm, Feb 26.
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Colorado Respite Coalition
The Colorado Respite Coalition (CRC) is a group of families and community partners who have joined together to support Colorado families who are caring for individuals of all ages with special needs.
CRC believes that family caregivers need a break and deserve support. CRC promotes Colorado's current respite care options and facilitate the development of new, safe, affordable, interactive, and stimulating respite care choices.
Some of CRC services include:
- Assist families in finding respite care services and resources in the state, with helpful tools such as the Respite Locator.
- Invest in the expansion of respite services statewide by awarding Community Grants to agencies and
- Family Respite Vouchers to family caregivers in order to increase access and utilization of respite care.
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Diagnosing Autism
From disabilityscoop
LabCorp has received a patent on a method for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.
The method, invented by David Michael Margulies and Mark Firman Bear of Massachusetts, involves taking a tissue or body sample from a subject and then conducting a test to identify variant sequences in the subject's genetic code, which may signify "the presence or an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorders." Testing can be done on children and fetuses, according to the patent.
The method is stated to aid in the diagnosis of five autism spectrum disorders: autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett's disorder and nonspecific pervasive developmental disorders.
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Empowered to Connect
Empowered to Connect simulcast will be hosted by Ken Caryl Church, on
April 13 - 14, 2018, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., at
Ken Caryl Church,
8395 W Ken Caryl Avenue Littleton, CO 80128.
$20 includes both days viewing, two light snacks each day, and the workbook.
Questions may be referred to Sandy Blaylock at 303.921.8572 or to Pam Hintz at 720.273.3322.
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Events
FREE Low Sensory Mornings at the History Colorado Center
February 3, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
April 21, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
June 16, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
September 15, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
The museum will be closed to the general public, attendance is limited, and sounds in the exhibits will be turned down,
Great Balls of Fire 9-Ball Billiards Challenge
Benefiting the Kyle E/ Fisher Fund at Ability Connection Colorado
Saturday, February 10, 2018
10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Wynkoop Brewery
1634 18th St, Denver, CO 80202
Join Colorado firefighters for a fun-filled day of billiards and support at-risk children receive the critical services they need.
2018 Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Resource Fair
Tuesday, February 27, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
1829 Denver West Drive, 5th Floor Board Room, Golden, CO
Connect with local organizations that provide services for special needs families and meet community groups and organizations that provide supports and resources to benefit children with disabilities and special needs, as well as their families. Jeffco Special Education administration, staff, and SEAC parent volunteers will be on hand to talk with families and answer questions about SEAC and Jeffco programs.
Clays for Kids benefiting the Denver Children's Advocacy Center
Friday, April 6, 2018, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Colorado Clays Shooting Park, 13600 Lanewood St, Brighton, CO 80603
In honor of
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
, this event is designed to bring sporting enthusiasts together to spread awareness about our mission to serve Denver's child victims of abuse, neglect, and violence. It will include a 15-station clay shooting tournament and a fully catered BBQ lunch.
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2018 Heritage Adoption Camps
Heritage Adoption Camps provide your adopted children with an opportunity to learn about the culture of their birth family. Giving your adopted children a true sense of who they are -- from both the birth perspective and from their place in your family -- will give them a better sense of self.
African/Caribbean June 7-10
Denver, CO Register Feb 19
Chinese August 31 - Sept 3
Fraser, CO Register March 12
Chinese II July 19-22
Denver, CO Register Feb 26
Domestic Adoption June 28-July 1
Denver, CO Register March 5
Indian/Nepalese July 5-8
Fraser, CO Register Feb 26
Korean June 14-17
Fraser, CO Register Feb 19
Latin American June 21-24
Fraser, CO Register Feb 19
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian (REECA) July 19-22 Fraser, CO Register Feb 26
Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander (SEAPI)
July 12-15 Estes Park, CO Register March 5
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Support Groups
Sometimes our children provide us with challenges that we're just not quite ready to handle. And sometimes support groups can help us find the answers we need, or at least make us feel okay about the unique challenges we're facing. Here are some support groups that might be helpful.
Boulder Valley Christian Church
Support group for foster and adoptive moms
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to noon, beginning Feb. 7, 2017
Facilitated by Lisa Firle, MA., LPCC
Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Road, Boulder.
Parents of Children with PTSD or Dissociative Disorder
Starts November 4, 2016
First Friday of the month
Denver Therapy & Consultation Group
2133 S Bellaire, Ste 11
$25 per person or $40 couple
Some scholarships are available.
For more information, contact Jan Tomski at
jantomski@msn.com
or by phone at 303-881-7630.
Adult Adoptee Support Group
Every 1st & 3rd Thursday, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sondermind, Suite 12, 100 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80302
Cost $25-$35
Jefferson County Kids Group
Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian, 11500 W. 20th Ave, Lakewood
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m..
RSVP to Mindy Beckler at 303-432-5205
North Adams Grandfamily Support Group
Third Thursday of the month 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 14th & Skeel, Brighton, CO RSVP to Elaine Riedl at 303-912-8337.
Fathers Forever
2nd & 4th Thursdays
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Resilience Center,
1298 Peoria St,
Aurora, CO 80011
For more information, contact Don Reynolds (720-353-6103) or Aaron Lockwood (303-901-4486).
Grandparent Group
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Aurora Mental Health Center in the Early Childhood & Family Dept.
11059 E Bethany Dr., Suite 101, Aurora, CO 80014
For more information, contact Aline Ratliff (303-885-5163).
Foster Care & Adoptive Parents Support Group
Last Sunday of every month from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discovery Church,
2605 W 144th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80023
Online Support Group for Adoptive, Foster, & Kinship Parents
Second Tuesday of the Month
Morning session 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Evening session 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Session includes a short presentation followed by a discussion.
Email Deb Felio at
for the toll-free number and access code.
Adoptive Parents Support Group
1st Tuesday of the month
February 3 - May 5, 2015
5:30pm-7:00pm
Supervised activities and group therapy for children
Lakewood Nazarene Church
Lakewood, CO
RSVP to Family Support Specialist, Mindi Bekler, 720-251-5876
Teen & Tween Adoption Support for Parents
Potluck
2nd & 4th Monday of each month
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Resilience Center
1298 Peoria St
Aurora, C
O 80011
Young Adult Mental Illness Support Group
For ages 18-28
1st & 3rd Thursday of every month
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
1st week Classroom F-G
3rd week Classroom E
St Anthony Hospital
11600 W 2nd Dr
Lakewood, CO 80228
Contact Courtney at 720-369-2629 for more information.
Welcome Child Adoption/Foster Care Support Group
Second Sunday of the month
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Timberline Church, Room 214
2908 S. Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
For more information contact Michele Sanner by email at
mlsanner@gmail.com or by phone at
(970) 481-5749.
Xpress Yourself Art & Play Therapy
Support groups for internationally adopted children & adolescents
CCAI
6920 S. Holly Circle
Centennial, CO 80112
Call 303-850-9998, ext 22
Called to Adopt Support Group
4th Saturday of the month, 6:00 p.m.,
Christ Community Church, Greeley, CO
The Men's Group for Adoptive Dads
Thursdays, 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.
Zoe's, 715 10th St,
Greeley, CO 80631
Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support Group
Facilitators: Sarah Ahn and Jenny Burnsed, LPC
Last Monday of every month 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Bixby School, 3750 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
There is no fee associated with this group, though donations are gratefully accepted. Please contact Sarah at SarahA@bipr.org for questions.
Therapeutic Post-Adoption Support Group
2nd Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Windsor Timberline Church
360 E Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO
Aurora Mental Health
Adoption Support Group
2nd & 4th Mondays of the month
Aurora Mental Health
11059 E Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO 80014
Colorado Adams County Rainbow Center
3rd Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
2140 E 88th Ave, Thornton, CO 80229
Contact: KimNichelle Rivera 303-226-5536
EMPOWER Littleton/Aurora/Englewood
1st & 3rd Thursday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network
155 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO 80112
NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group for Adults
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
ADMHN Building, 3rd floor
5500 S. Sycamore St, Littleton, CO 80120
Contact: Carol
303-790-1055
NAMI Family Support Group Teleconference
2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month
Louisville Parent Support Group
Second Tuesday of the month
7:00 - 8:30
Art Underground
901 Front Street, Louisville, CO 80027
$25 per session; reservations required.
Call 720-352-1743.
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| COCAF strives to provide Colorado's adoptive families with the information and resources they need to keep their families healthy and happy. If you have ideas for topics you think we should cover, please let us know. And if you find a good resource -- definitely let us know. Please forward your ideas or information to me at colleen.tarket@cocaf.org. Materials received by the 20th of a month will be considered for inclusion in the next month's newsletter.
Wishing all families peace, serenity, and a good sense of humor,
Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board Member (and newsletter put-ter-together-er)
COCAF does not recommend or endorse any specific book, website, survey, study, or provider of services. The purpose of the COCAF e-newsletter is to provide families with potential resources. All information contained in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only and as is without warranty expressed or implied, and shall not constitute legal, medical, psychiatric, educational, or parenting advice. COCAF is not be liable for any damages arising from using the information in this newsletter, including direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and/or consequential damages. No information on this site should be considered legal advice. Laws vary by state, so you are urged to research the specific laws, and your rights, within your state. If you have specific questions regarding your rights, or the laws in your state, please contact an attorney.
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Use this area to provide your subscribers information about your organization.
We believe that all children have the right to a permanent loving family. We are dedicated to improving services for every pre- and post-adoptive family and to increasing the knowledge and accountability of public systems. We are committed to advocacy in state and local service planning and delivery, in support of all pre and post adoptive families.
Sincerely,
Deborah Cave, Executive Director
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