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Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
In This Issue
Help COCAF When You Shop
National Adoption Month
Adoption Reform
Virtual Support Group
Adopting Your Foster Child
A Healing Journey
Adoption Videos $1
Podcasts for Professionals
Parenting after Adopting
DDRC Annual Resource Fair
Adoption Exchange Gala
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

Connections as a Key
Wednesday
November 9, 2016
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
The Journey Church
2000 Pike Road, Unit A
Longmont, CO 80501
FREE
Email PSSFRSVPS@bouldercounty.org to RSVP or for more information

Colorado Adoption Information Class
Wednesday
November 9, 2016
6:00 p.m.

NEXT OF KIN: Resources and Support for Kin Caregivers
Friday
November 11, 2016
6:3 p.m.
Supper & Program
Lone Tree Library
10055 Library Way
Lone Tree, CO 80124
RSVP to dcparenting@usa.com.

A Brain-Based Treatment Approach: Using Neuro-Sequential Models to Guide Therapeutic Interventions
Tuesday
November 15, 2016 
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
EKS&H
7979 E Tufts Ave
Mt. Oxford Conference Room
1st Floor
Denver, CO 80237
$65.00

While You Wait
Wednesday
November 16, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Talk is Power:  A Workshop for Parents 7 Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities on How to Talk about Sex & Sexuality
Thursday
November 17, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Arc of Larimer County
1721 W Harmony Rd, Unit 101
Ft Collins, CO
RSVP to Maggie Wesley at mwesley@arclc.org or 
970-204-6991 x25 by 11/15/16

TBRI Caregiver Training:  Introduction & Overview
Friday
November 18, 2016
9:30 a.m.

Relationships & Sexuality:  Ages 16+ Workshop for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities on Healthy Dating, Relationships, & Sexuality
Wednesdays
November 30 & December 7, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Arc of Larimer County
1721 W Harmony Rd, Unit 101
Ft Collins, CO
RSVP to Maggie Wesley at mwesley@arclc.org or 
970-204-6991 x25 by 11/28/16

TBRI Caregiver Training:  Correcting Principles - Addressing Fear-Based Behaviors
Friday
December 9, 2016
9:30 a.m.

Forgiveness Workshop for Teens
FREE
Saturday
December 10, 2016
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
14232 E Evans Avenue Aurora, CO 80014
Lunch provided.

Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
December 13, 2016
6:00 p.m.
For more info, call 
1-800-451-5246
 
While You Wait
Wednesday
April 12, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
For more info, call 
1-800-451-5246
Webinars

Helping Children and Youth Transition from Foster Care to Adoption
Thursday, November 17, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

While You Wait
Wednesday & Thursday
January 11 & 12, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
For more info, call 
1-800-451-5246
 
While You Wait
Tuesday & Wednesday
June 6 & 7, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
For more info, call 
1-800-451-5246
 Conferences
Relatives Raising Children Conference
Friday
November 18, 2016
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
4430 S Adams County Pkwy
Brighton, CO

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:

Trolls
Saturday Nov 12

Dr Strange
Tuesday Nov 17

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Saturday Nov 26
Tuesday Nov 29
Tuesday Dec 13

Moana
Satuday Dec 10

Rogue One
Tuesday Dec 27



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

 
Many of us have children with either a 504 plan or an IEP.  I did.  Mine had a 504 plan, because despite my best efforts, the school would not approve a IEP, even though it was clear that's what she really needed.  Schools hate 504s and IEPs.  Parents hate that schools fight so hard to deny these tools to our struggling children.
 
I recently had a discussion about this with one of my sons.  This son started school a year late because his birth family "forgot" to enroll him in school.  When he came to us as a foster child, he was in second grade, but reading at less than a kindergarten level.  We spent a lot of time working with him and helping him catch up, and he graduated in 12 years and as his class valedictorian.  Now he is a first-year teacher at a large high school in the metro area.
 
As a first-year teacher, he is struggling to find his "groove," and he is especially frustrated by a few of his 504 and IEP students.  One is a legally blind student who needs to have everything provided in Braille, but she doesn't want to read Braille.  She fights to have everything written in huge numbers (he's a math teacher) on the white board.  The problem is she has a progressive disease that will eventually take all of her eyesight, so she has to learn Braille.  What does my son do - fight her daily to do her assignments in Braille or write everything for her on the white board?  Both cause him to spend more time focused on her specific needs than the needs of the rest of the class.
 
He has another student whose 504 plan says he doesn't have to take notes in class, that notes will be provided to him.  So while my son lectures, this student goofs off and disrupts the class, because he doesn't need to pay attention - the lecture notes will be handed to him after class.  The whole class suffers because of this one student's 504 plan.
 
So before you go ballistic over a teacher not following your child's IEP or 504 plan to the T, sit down with the teacher and find out what your child is actually doing in class.  Teaching your child is a group project - you need to be an active participant, too.
 
Happy National Adoption Month & Thanksgiving!


K. Colleen Tarket,  cornucopia-flowers.jpg
COCAF Board of Directors
National Adoption Month & COCAF Logo

November is National Adoption month, and COCAF will be celebrating by bringing our website back online AND by asking YOU to help us continue to support us financially, so we can continue to provide advocacy and support (like this newsletter) to all of Colorado's adoptive, kinship, and foster families.  
Adoption Reform:  You Can Help! 

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The adoption system in the US has always been flawed, but if we push for reform, we can make things better.

Currently, COCAF would like your support to urge Congress to pass the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2015 .  Th is bill is currently being considered by the U.S. Senate ( S.2275 ) and House of Representatives ( H.R.5454 ) and would close a loophole in the  Child Citizenship Act of 2000 , which automatically grants U.S. citizenship to children adopted by U.S. citizens.  The 2000 law did not grant citizenship to adoptees who were already over the age of 18 when it passed, leaving thousands of adoptees subject to deportation.

You can urge Congress to pass this law by clicking on this link and completing the electronic postcard.  

Please act today to help these adoptees stay in the US where they belong.
Virtual Support Group 

The Adoption Exchange is hosting its Adoptive Families Virtual Connection Group on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. via webinar.  This is a unique opportunity for families to connect with one another and receive training live without having to worry about traveling or child care!  Targeted day/time for the group is the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6-7 pm, but the schedule may change (especially during the holiday season -- no session in December). 
 
The Adoption Exchange will be launching a series about child behaviors in November.  Participation is FREE, but limited to 30 people.  


For questions about future sessions, contact:
Jill Crewes, MSW
Senior Director of Family Support Services
303.755.4756 x251
Adopting Your Foster Child:  What Every Parent Needs to Know 
From the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)

Moving from foster care to adoption is not always fast or easy.  Click here to read this insightful article by Madeleine Krebs, LCSW-C C.A.S.E. consultant and trainer. 
Trauma to Treasure:  A Healing Journey 

Blogs are a great way to communicate to the world, and sometimes sharing your journey with the world helps you heal.  Trauma to Treasure:  A Healing Journey is a blog written by former foster child who is fighting to dissolve her adoption. 

This blog provides a prospective from a traumatized young adult struggling to figure out her place in the world.  It also makes it very clear that adoption is not the answer for every foster child.

Adoption Videos 

In honor of Adoption Awareness Month, Beyond Words Psychological Services is offering three online videos for only $1 each in NOVEMBER only.  The videos are:
  • Talking to Transracially Adoptive Kids About Race & Racism
  • Understanding & Responding to Adoption Trauma
  • EMPOWRD! Ways to Respond to Adoption Questions
Podcasts for Professionals 

Child welfare and other human service professionals are busy, and lack of time shouldn't hinder your access to new information. To connect professionals to unique perspectives, success stories, and tips to improve outcomes, Child Welfare Information Gateway launched the Child Welfare Information Gateway Podcast series, which features interviews and conversations that share lessons learned and advice for enhancing services to protect children and strengthen families.
 
Information Gateway will launch a new audio-only podcast every month. The podcasts will provide listeners with valuable insight on implementing new programs and innovations, collaborating with other agencies and organizations, addressing new issues and trends in child welfare, and building capacity.
 
The first two podcasts are available now! "Engaging Youth in Foster Care" and "Developing and Sustaining a Parent Partner Program" both feature perspectives and stories from those on the front lines of child welfare and can help listeners enhance their ability to serve.  

Parenting after Adopting 

For parenting tips for adoptive parents, check out the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.  Click here to go to their adoptive parenting tips.  
DDRC Annual Resource Fair
Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) Annual Resource & Provider Fair
 
If you or someone you know is enrolled in services, on the waiting list, or wants to learn more about resources and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Annual Resource and Provider Fair may be for you! The fair is November 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Green Mountain High School, 13175 W Green Mountain Drive in Lakewood.
 
Come learn about children and adult resources for guardianship, benefits, advocacy, and other available services. Meet behavioral, respite, day program, residential, and personal care service providers. Call 303-233-3363 for more information.
 
JFK Partners and HCP, a program for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
 
Accessing Children's Benefits through Health First, Colorado's Medicaid State Plan
 Monday, Nov 14, 2016 - 9:00-10:30 a.m.
 
Are you a case manager, care coordinator, or someone who works with families who might be interested in public benefits related to pediatric behavioral therapies?  If so, please join us for this informational webinar about the current status of Health Care Policy and Financing's children's waivers and EPSDT benefits in Colorado and how to access the available pediatric behavioral therapy services.
 
Objectives:
Following this event, the audience will understand how to access:
·        Children's Waivers
·        Behavioral Therapies
·        Pediatric Personal Care Benefit
 
Speakers:
·       Candace Bailey, Performance and Children Waiver Unit Supervisor, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
·       Gina Robinson, Program Administrator, Client and Client Care Program, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy
 
Registration:
You may join the live presentation at the Anschutz Medical Campus, or you can connect via the web. Either way, be sure to register!
 
LIVE Site Location:
Anschutz Medical Campus, Education 2 NORTH
13120 E. 19th Ave, 1st Floor, Room 1103
Aurora, CO 80045
 
ONLINE Connection:
Be sure to register as a web participant in order to receive an email 2 business days before the event with a link and instructions for connecting. 
 
Registration is required due to space limitations.
Deadline to register: Nov 8, 2016
 
EVENTS 

The Adoption Exchange 29th Annual Gala, A Fantasy Ball
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Seawell Grand Ballroom
Denver Center for Performing Arts
1101 13th St, Denver, CO  80202
 
A charity ball on National Adoption Day to support The Adoption Exchange. The evening will be filled with great food, live and silent auction, ending with dancing and live entertainment.
 

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.

Parents of Child 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
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