Logo
Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   




Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
In This Issue
Holiday Shopping
Foster Care Numbers Climb
Best Interest of the Child
Understanding the Courts
SSI/SSDI Application
EVENTS!
Free Dental Care 12/24
Support Groups

Help COCAF

While You Holiday 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

Relationships & Sexuality:  Ages 16+ Workshop for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities on Healthy Dating, Relationships, & Sexuality
Wednesday
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 [email protected] 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

Parenting Transracially
Friday
January 13, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
 
Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma:  A 7-Week Workshop Series for Resource Parents & Professionals
Wednesdays
January 18, 2017-March 1, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014

Working with LGBTQ Youth
Tuesday
January 24, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014

Navigating Special Education
Tuesday
January 31, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Call 800-451-5246 for more info.
 
Becoming a Regulated Parent
Thursday
February 9, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here for more info.

Parenting Teens from Trauma
Monday
February 13, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014

Secondary Trauma:  A Workshop for Parents and Professionals
Saturday
February 18, 2017
9:00 a.m. - noon
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014

Parenting Transracially
Thursday
March 2, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014

While You Wait
Wednesday
April 12, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
For more info, call 
1-800-451-5246
Webinars

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

Secondary Trauma
Wednesday
March 15, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Click here for more info.

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
 

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:

Moana
Saturday 
Dec 10

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Tuesday Dec 13

Rogue One
Tuesday Dec 27



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

 
Disappointment.  It sort of comes with this time of year.  Johnny wants an I-Pad, but it's just not in the holiday gift-giving budget.  You want your family to all be home for the holidays, but one person wants to spend the holidays on the slopes, another scuba diving in the Caribbean, maybe another is serving in the military overseas and can't come home.  Disappointment. 

As adults, we must learn to deal with disappointment.  So, I'm going to express my disappointment, and then move on.

My disappointment:  Only three (that's 3) people have donated to COCAF during our fundraising event in November.  THREE!  One was my oldest son, who has consistently been our largest donor (thank you, M!).  One was my personal friend, who isn't part of an adoptive family, but asked us years ago to help a friend who was a single, adoptive mother, and my friend has donated to COCAF annually ever since (thank you, C!).  The other person is a long-time donor and avid COCAF supporter (thank you, J!).

Three people who appreciate COCAF.  Funny thing is, no one seems to have a problem with taking Deborah Cave's time and expertise for free.  Yes, free.  COCAF never charges for its advocacy services.  So, to everyone who has called Deborah for advice, gone to a fair hearing with Deborah's support, or gotten a piece of useful information from this monthly newsletter, know that these services can't continue - for you or any other adoptive family - if we don't have enough funds to pay our phone bill, post office box bill, office supply costs, and software costs.

Don't wait for "someone else" to donate.  Skip a couple of Starbucks this week and donate $10.  Cut back on some nonessential, and donate $5.  I'm not asking for much:  Just a sign that COCAF provides a valuable service to all the adoptive families in Colorado.  Donate today.  Please.  And thank you!

 

Happy Holidays to ALL!
K. Colleen Tarket,  blue_star.jpg
COCAF Board of Directors
Foster Care Numbers Climb -- Again 
From Voice for Adoption
arrow_up_silhouette.jpg

According to a press release from the Administration for Children and Families, the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) data released by the Children's Bureau, within HHS' Administration for Children and Families, show a continued increase in the numbers of children in foster care. After declining more than 20 percent between Fiscal Years 2006 and 2012 to a low of 397,000, the number of children in foster care increased to 428,000 in Fiscal Year 2015. This represents a 3.4 percent increase from Fiscal Year 2014, when states reported 414,000 children in foster care.

Nearly three quarters (71 percent) of states reported an increase in the numbers of children entering foster care from 2014 to 2015. The five states with the largest increases were Florida, Indiana, Georgia, Arizona, and Minnesota; these five states were also among the states with the largest increases between 2013 and 2014. Click here to see the full AFCARS report. 
Determining the Best Interest of the Child 
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway
kids_holding_signs.jpg

Many of us wonder what the definition of the "best interest of the child" is and whether or not the counties we work with are, in fact, acting in the best interest of the child.

The Determining the Best Interests of the Child factsheet discusses State laws that present the factors that courts need to consider when making decisions about a child's appropriate custody and care. Factors to be considered include parental capacity to provide adequate care, sibling and other family relationships, and the child's wishes. The factsheet also addresses the definition of best interests and guiding principles of best interest determinations. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.

Understanding the Courts 
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway

Families involved with the child welfare system must often engage with the judicial system. The Understanding Child Welfare and the Courts factsheet is designed to demystify the legal process and inform families of their rights and responsibilities. It includes frequently asked questions about the different stages of court proceedings, how parents and family members can prepare for court hearings, and who and what to expect in the courtroom and throughout the process.

Getting an SSI/SSDI Application Approved 
Colorado Disability Benefits Support Program (DBS) has announced a series of webinars assist people with the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability application process in Colorado.  Through these webinars, DBS aims to help Colorado families better understand the SSA's disability programs and navigate the disability application process.
 
Each of the five one-hour webinars will be held from 6 to 7 PM MST and will address the following topics:   
  • December 27, 2016 - The Basics of SSI and SSDI
  • January 3, 2017 - The SSA Disability Application Process
  • January 10, 2017 -   The SSA Forms 3368, 827, & 1696
  • January 17, 2017 -  The SSA Work History Report
  • January 24, 2017 - The SSA Adult Function Report
These webinars are designed for Individuals applying for SSI/SSDI, families of individuals with disabilities, clinicians, case managers, advocates, and staff who provide direct service to individuals who are in need of accessing SSI/SSDI disability benefits. Cost is $10 per webinar or $40 for all five webinars.
 
To register, please contact Chrissy DeShazer at (720) 354-6120 or email [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations provided on request.
EVENTS 

Denver's Parade of Lights
December 2-3, 2016
16th Street Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Friday: 8:00 p.m.; Saturday: 6:00 p.m.


Breakfast with Santa in Castle Rock
December 2, 2016, all day
Outlets at Castle Rock
5050 Factory Shops Blvd, Castle Rock, CO 80108

Get free hot pancakes and enjoy Santa, this event will also have other entertainment for kids.
 

Kids at Heart Fundraiser
Saturday, December 10 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Heart of the Rockies Christian Church 
6501 Brittany Street Fort Collins, CO 80525
 
No matter how you stack it... all you can eat pancakes, sausages, juice, milk & coffee for only $5 before the event / $10 day of event.  Kids 5 and under are FREE! Santa is available for photos and the lines are short! 
 
For over 15 years, Kids at Heart has been supporting Foster & Adoptive families.  Their Fundango, Camp Teen Fundango, and Camp Fundango programs have been providing adoptive, foster, and kinship families opportunities for much needed respite. Respite care is a key part of the post-placement services often needed by our families to help support placement stability and permanency.
 
All proceeds go directly to Kids at Heart. 
 
For more information or to purchase tickets before the event, call (970) 223-1230 or email  [email protected].  Click here to go to the Facebook event page.


Thornton WinterFest
December 9 - 11, 2016
Carpenter Park Fields
3498 E 112th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233

December 9
Santa starting at 6:30 p.m.

December 10
Santa 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  
Holiday Concert at 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Santa's Village   Event Tent
Holiday Fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

December 11
Visit with Santa  5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Thornton Community Chorus at 6:30 p.m.
Free Dental Care December 24 ONLY 

toothbrush-girl.jpg
All Comfort Dental locations offer free dental care (cleaning, one extraction, or one filing) on Christmas Eve day (December 24) on a first-come, first-served basis. Offices will be open at 7:30 a.m., but the line will start much earlier.

It is suggested you get in line early. Call 303.820.2273 for more information and locations.

 
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or [email protected] . 
  
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 [email protected].
 
  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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

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:  [email protected] 
 
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 [email protected].  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