Logo
Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   




Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
In This Issue
Smile & Donate!
Heritage Adoption Camps
Adoption Incentive Fund Shortfall
Nurturing Fatherhood Program
Life After High School:
Independent Living
Gutting the ADA
Understanding ICWA and Adoption
Kinship Connection Website
Sleep Disorders
Empowered to Connect
EVENTS
Support Groups

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.

CLASSROOM

Advocating for Adoption Assistance
Tuesday
March 20, 2018
1:00 p.m.

TBRI® Caregiver Training

Intro & Overview
March 16, 2018
May 4, 2018
July 20, 2018
September 21, 2018
November 2, 2018

Connecting Principles - Addressing Attachment Needs
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


WEBINARS

Advocating for Adoption Assistance
Tuesday
March 20, 2018
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SSA Forms 3368, 827, & 1696
Thursday
March 29, 2018
4:30 p.m.

Medical Eligibility Criteria
Thursday
April 5, 2018
4:30 p.m.

SSA Work History Report
Thursday
April 12, 2018
4:30 p.m.

SSA Adult Function Report
Thursday
April 19, 2018
4:30 p.m.

Deflecting Mother Blame
Saturday
April 21, 2018
6:00 p.m.

Transition from Childhood to Adult Disability
Thursday
April 26, 2018
4:30 p.m.

CONFERENCES

Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conference
Thursday-Saturday
April 26-28, 2018
Crested Butte, CO

NACAC Annual Conference
August 7-10, 2018
St Paul, Minnesota

AMC Autism Logo  
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:
 
Black Panther
Saturday
March 10

A Wrinkle in Time
Tuesday
March 13

A Wrinkle in Time
Saturday
March 24

Tomb Raider
Tuesday
March 27

Ready Player One
Tuesday
April 10

Sherlock Gnomes
Saturday
April 14

Rampage
Tuesday
April 24



FREE RESOURCES
Looking for books or movies about adoption?  Or how to deal with school-related adoption issues?  

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  
 
Chinese  August 31 - Sept 3   
Fraser, CO  
 
Chinese II  July 19-22  
Denver, CO  
 
Domestic Adoption  June 28-July 1  
Denver, CO  
 
Indian/Nepalese  July 5-8  
Fraser, CO  
 
Korean  June 14-17  
Fraser, CO  
 
Latin American  June 21-24  
Fraser, CO  
 
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian (REECA)  July 19-22  
 
Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander (SEAPI)  
July 12-15  
 

graphic-summer-park.jpg
 
Did you ever have something you knew, something you've always known, suddenly not be true?

Despite being adopted, I always knew everything about my genetic makeup. My father was mostly Irish, my mother was half Croatian, half Swiss German. So, imagine my surprise when my DNA test showed that I was almost a quarter Scandinavian! I have now spent more hours than I'd like to admit looking into my ancestry, trying to figure out where the Scandinavian came from (and wondering why I'm not tall and blonde!).

There's something comforting about knowing "where you come from." Most of us do know at least a little about our heritage. Adopted children, however, don't always have that information. Not having that information to "root" them, they frequently have identity issues.

Helping your adopted children learn about their heritage will help them feel like they belong, both to your family and to their roots. Don't be afraid to help your children find their roots. Embrace it. Make it part of your family story, and your whole family will be better for it.

Sláinte chuig na fir, agus go mairfidh na mná go deo!
(Gaelic for may the men be healthy and the women live forever!)
Colleen Tarket, 
COCAF Board of Directors
Adoption Incentive Fund Shortfall:  ACTION NEEDED 

The adoption community is currently addressing an adoption-kinship incentive fund shortfall. States are still owed $50 million for last year's results, and appropriations still need to be made for this year's rewards, to be rewarded at the end of the year. If this is not appropriated, there could be a loss of post-adoption services.

Adoptive families need YOUR help! Call or write to your members of Congress today asking them to make up the shortfall!  Call  the U.S. Capitol Switch Board to Connect with your legislators office by phone  (202) 224-3121 or v isit the Voice for Adoption website for details on writing letters to Congress.
Nurturing Fatherhood Program

father-daughter-kiss.jpg

The Nurturing Fatherhood Program is a 13-week program that focuses on the experience of fathering through a proven curriculum in a supportive and structured group environment.
 
Young children are encouraged to attend the Social Skills Group - when the dads are in the fatherhood class.  Bringing children is not a requirement for this program.
 
This program is free, and we provide meals and materials for all who attend.

Anyone interested can contact Nancy Regalado at 303-627-2041 or 303-552-6231 to register.
Step Up into Life After High School: Preparing Young Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities for the Future
 
greyscale-graduates.jpg
Wednesdays: 
March 7
March 14
March 21
April 4
April 11
April 18 
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
Location: Englewood High School, 3800 S Logan St, Englewood, CO 80113
 
A valuable series that addresses the questions and concerns families have about preparing young adults with I/DD for life after high school. The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas Counties invites parents, caregivers, educators, and self-advocates to learn more about this important transition.
 
Dinner and childcare/respite will be provided at each session (RSVP necessary for childcare/respite requests). Ifyou need accommodations to attend (e.g., an interpreter) or have any dietary restrictions, please indicate when you RSVP.
 
Contact Luke at (303) 220-9228 or luke@arc-ad.org for more information
 
Independent Living 

 people-outside.jpg
As teens approach adulthood, living independently becomes a significant goal. While youth with intact families may struggle to achieve self-reliance, youth in out-of-home care face formidable obstacles. Help those adolescents transition to adulthood and live independently with the Child Welfare Information Gateway's Transition to Adulthood and Independent Living and Out-Of-Home Care resources and information.
House Votes to Gut the ADA 

In February, the House of Representatives passed the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (  H.R. 620) by a vote of 225-192. This bill prevents lawsuits over architectural barriers violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) unless an individual provides "specific enough" notice and allows 120 days for a business to correct that barrier. Use this link to see how your Representative voted on the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 and thank members who voted against the bill. 

Please note that Representatives Buck, Coffman, Lamborn, and Tipton all voted for the bill -- voting to strip the ADA.  Click here to read some of the concerns about this bill.

There is no Senate companion bill to date. Please take the time to contact our Colorado Senators and let them know that this measure would severely weaken rights to access for people with disabilities. 

See a joint statement by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)  and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) considering this bill in the Senate.

 
Understanding ICWA and Adoption

From the Child Welfare Adoption Triad

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 established a process that prioritizes the placement of American Indian children within their family or Tribal community. The law gives Tribes legal authority in child welfare cases in order to maintain important cultural ties. This month, Adoption Triad discusses the importance of understanding ICWA and its application to American Indian children and the adoption process.
Inherent in ICWA is the sovereignty and jurisdictional priority of the child's Tribe in child welfare cases. Child welfare workers must follow ICWA when placing American Indian children in adoptive placements. In addition to understanding the legal requirements outlined in ICWA, there are many cultural considerations related to fostering and adopting American Indian children. The resources below are designed to inform prospective adoptive parents and child welfare workers about the application of ICWA as it relates to the adoption of American Indian children and youth.   
  1. Understand the ways in which Tribal customary adoption preserves a child's cultural heritage while allowing for an adoptive placement in "ICWA Webinar #3 Tribal Customary Adoption" [video] from the California Indian Legal Services.
     
  2. Learn about the purpose and implementation of ICWA in Setting the Record Straight: The Indian Child Welfare Act (PDF - 447 KB) from the National Indian Child Welfare Association. This 2015 factsheet discusses the historical precedent and legal considerations associated with the implementation of ICWA.
     
  3. Find information and resources to understand relevant considerations when fostering and adopting Native American children in Families for Native American Children by AdoptUSKids.
Colorado Kinship Connection Website and Facebook Page

The site contains the Colorado Kinship Navigation Guide, forums with specific topics for kinship caregivers, county staff and community providers, general resources, county-specific resources, and a calendar of events that has a current listing of kinship support groups statewide.


Adopted Children and Sleep Disorders

baby_sleeping_on_pumpkin.jpg
A new pilot study indicates that adopted children are potentially at risk for sleep disorders because of the psychological stressors, behavioral problems, and attachment issues they experience as part of integrating into a new family.

To read more about this study, click here.  
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.
 
Click here to register. Cash or check payment will be taken onsite the first day of the conference. 
 
Questions may be referred to Sandy Blaylock at 303.921.8572 or to Pam Hintz at 720.273.3322.
Events 

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.
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.
For more info or to register: cathy@bvchristian.org

Parents of Children with PTSD
First Friday of the month, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
464 Inca St, Denver, CO 80204
$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 & Kinship Support Group
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Aurora Mental Health Center, Viewpoint Office, Lotus Room
11059 E Bethany Dr., 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
For more information, email bonnie.robertson02@yahoo.com . 
  
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
For more information, contact Tim Paxton at 970-691-5737 or by email at timpaxton33@gmail.com.
 
  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.  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
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Aurora Mental Health
11059 E Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO 80014
Contact Sheila Reynolds 303-525-2123 or Stephanie Seriff 303-856-7698 for more information

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
Contact Carol Villa at 303-790-1055 for more information or email Littleton@empowercolorado.com

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
Contact:  eleslie15@gmail.com 
 
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.  
  

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.

  
Join Our Mailing List
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