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Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   

In This Issue
Help COCAF When You Shop
Assistance Animals
Supreme Court to Rule on FAPE
Dissociative Kids?
Trauma-Focused Education
Problematic Sexual Behavior
Thursday Support Group
FAQs from LGBTQ Prospective Foster & Adoptive Parents
WiFi and Cell Phone Assistance Programs
EVENTS
Support Groups

Help COCAF

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CLASSROOM
Webinars
SSI & SSDI Webinars
Assistance Animals 

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Do you know the difference between a service animal and an assistance animal?  Do you know which of these animals is allowed in a public business, housing, or a school? 
 
Do you know about Colorado's new law regarding intentional misrepresentation of a service or assistance animal and how it will apply when it is effective on January 1, 2017? 
 
If the answer to any of the above questions is "no," join Disability Law Colorado at one of their upcoming trainings to learn about the law regarding service & assistance animals.
 
Denver Training
October 11, 2016
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Mile High United Way
711 Park Ave West
Denver, CO 80205
Click here to register
 
If you have questions about these upcoming trainings, please contact Emily Harvey at eharvey@disabilitylawco.org  or at (303)722-0300.
 Conferences

Reading in the Rockies Fall Conference
October 7-8, 2016
Vail, CO

Colorado State Foster Parent Association
Camp Watwuzithinin', Part 2
Monday-Wednesday
October 24-26, 2016
Beaver Run Resort
Breckenridge, CO
For more info call 303-463-7989

NACAC Annual Conference
July 19-22, 2017
Atlanta, GA
More info to come!

 

Webcasts

These webinars have been recorded and are available 24X7

 

Supporting Youth in Transition: The Importance of Case Worker Visits

Click here to for more info.

 

Adoption Tax Credit: A Guide for State Advocates

Click here for more info.

 

Child Welfare and the Affordable Care Act

Click here for more info.

 

Improving the Economic Security of Children in Foster Care & Young People Who Are Transitioning out of Care

 

Privatization of Child Welfare Services: A Guide for State Advocates

Click here to download.

 

Collaborating with Kinship Caregivers Curriculum and TA

Click here to download.

 

Finding What Works: Helping Young Adults Transition into Adulthood

Click here to download.

 

The Uninterrupted Scholars Act: How Do Recent Changes to FERPA Help Child Welfare Agencies Get Access to School Records?

Click here to download.

The 50 State Chartbook on Foster Care: A Web-Based Data Resource for Child Welfare Professionals

Click here to download.

 
   Improving the Economic Security of Children in Foster Care and Young People Who Are Transitioning from Foster Care
FREE Online Courses
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:

Storks
Saturday October 8

The Magnificent Seven
Tuesday September 27

Trolls
Saturday November 12

FREE RESOURCES
 
Please be patient with us as we move (literally and figuratively) to new locations.  Our website is still down, but we should have it up by the end of the month.  In the meanwhile, hopefully the newsletter will give you some information to help keep your family thriving!
 
Happy October to everyone!


K. Colleen Tarket,  happy-halloween2.jpg
COCAF Board of Directors
Douglas County Case Goes to the Supreme Court 
From disabilityscoop
For the first time in more than three decades, the U.S. Supreme Court says it will consider how much educational benefit schools must provide students receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The nation's high court said Thursday that it will hear arguments in a matter known as Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District.

At issue is the IDEA's mandate that public schools provide children with disabilities a free appropriate public education, or FAPE.

The case was brought by parents known in court papers as Joseph F. and Jennifer F. who pulled their son with autism out of his Colorado school district and sent him to a private school. They then sought reimbursement from the Douglas County School District arguing that the boy, Drew, was not provided FAPE.


Dissociative Kids?  Help for Parents 

A support group for parents who have children with PTSD and Dissociative Disorders is beginning November 4, 2016.

The group leaders have over 60 years of combined experience with children, families, and trauma.

Meetings will be the first Friday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 2133 S Bellaire St, Suite 11, Denver, CO 80222. 

Fees for the group are $25 for an individual and $40 per couple. Scholarships are available. 

For more information or an application for a scholarship, please contact Jan Tomski at jantomski@msn.com or 303.881.7630.
Trauma-Focused Education Series 

October 19 and November 9, 2016,  6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
The Journey Church, 2000 Pike Road, Unit A, Longmont, CO 80501
FREE for Adoptive, Kinship, & Foster Parents
 
The guest speaker for all classes will be Ryann Vernetson.   Ryann is the Executive Director of SAFY of Colorado, Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth.   Ryann is also an animal-assisted therapist.  She has partnered with biological, foster, and kinship parents to support children with complex trauma in their homes.   Ryann believes in the power of family and relationship in the lives of those who have endured hardship.  As a Colorado native, Ryann is invested in her community, and is eager to join this training series to support those parents doing the hard work each day.
   
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Secondary Traumatic Stress and Your Triggers: 
We all have buttons, and so do the children in our homes.  This presentation will explore symptoms of secondary traumatic stress, understanding our "triggers", tangible self-care, and resiliency strategies.
 
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Connections as a Key: 
Our world is full of connections, and the children in our homes are no different.  This presentation will cultivate a deeper understanding of how we can provide connection, healing, and resiliency to children who have experienced trauma.
 
 
CHILD CARE available.  RSVP by noon the day before to ensure coverage; RSVP needs to include the number of people who will attend the trainings and the names and ages of children needing childcare.  Pizza will be provided.

Problematic Sexual Behavior

The Denver Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC) is working with the University of Oklahoma to establish a treatment program for children with problematic sexual abuse behaviors and their families. This program is designed to eliminate problematic sexual behaviors and improve pro-social behaviors and adjustments in children. It is also designed to reduce stress and enhance skills in parents and other caregivers. 
 
For more information about treatment for problematic sexual behavior in youth, please contact:  Gizane Indart, PsyD. at Gizane@DenverCAC.org or (303) 996-8580. 
 
Adoptive, Kinship, & Foster Care Support Group 

Every Thursday evening, 6:45 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 
Wild Blue Coffee Shop, Cherry Hills Community Church
3900 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

This is a place to share openly and honestly about challenges related to caregiving, a place to connect with others along a similar journey, and a place to gain tools, strength, and hope to continue to provide loving care.  

The group meets at Wild Blue Coffee Shop located in Cherry Hills Community Church and is open to people of all faith perspectives. There is no cost to attend.

Each session will be led by Marcia Pritchard, a Licensed Professional Counselor.  For more information, call Marcia at (303) 332-4825. Please RSVP by email to marciapritchard@gmail.com.  No childcare provided.
FAQs from LGBTQ Prospective Foster & Adoptive Parents
From the Child Information Gateway

The landscape of parenting options for LGBTQ individuals and couples has grown considerably in recent years, with an increasing number of LGBTQ parents choosing to build their families through fostering or adoption. 

Although many agencies are welcoming to the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ foster and adoptive parents continue to face challenges related to adoption. This Child Information Gateway factsheet is designed to answer some of the initial questions LGBTQ prospective foster or adoptive parents may have in hopes of helping to better inform them during this first stage of the journey.

 
WiFi and Cell Phone Assistance Programs 

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If you are on a limited income, the federal government's LifeLine program may assist you in getting WiFi (Inernet) or cell phone service (you cannot get both) at a more affordable rate.

 
EVENTS
 

Walmart Wellness Day*
October 15, 2016, Noon - 4:00 p.m.

  • Free blood pressure tests and blood glucose tests.
  • Low cost immunizations
  • Free product samples
* COCAF does not endorse Walmart or have any financial interests in Walmart and is only providing this information as a service to our readers who may benefit from it.
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.

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
Brighton Police Department, 3401 E Bromley Ln, Brighton, 80601. RSVP to Janet at 303-637-8113.

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).
 
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
Meets the last Sunday of every month from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  
For more information, email Kelly@dc2.me or 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, CO 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.  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

The Be The Change Challenge
(For parents of challenging children)
2nd Tuesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
ACL Boulder, 5744 North 71st Street, Longmont, Colorado 80503
Call 630-841-0458
 
EMPOWER 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.

 
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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