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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 |
Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
January 10, 2017
6:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
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
TBRI Caregiver Training: Introduction to Trust Based Relational Intervention
Friday
January 20, 2017
9:00 a.m. 3:0 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here for more info.
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.
AdoptCare Network Training
Friday
February 3, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Jefferson County DHS
900 Jefferson County Parkway
Golden, CO 80401
Click here for more info.
Becoming a Regulated Parent
Thursday
February 9, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Boulder County DHS
515 Coffman St
Longmont, CO 80501
Click here for more info.
Parenting Teens from Trauma
Monday
February 13, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Boulder County DHS
515 Coffman St
Longmont, CO 80501
Mobilizing Families
Thursdays
February 16-March 23, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
TBRI Caregiver Training: Connecting Principles - Addressing Attachment Needs
Friday
February 17, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here for more info.
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
AdoptCare Network Advanced Training
Friday
February 24, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Community First Foundation
5855 Wadsworth Bypass Unit A
Arvada, CO 80003
Parenting Transracially
Thursday
March 2, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
TRBI Caregiver Training: Intro & Overview
Friday
March 3, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Implicit Bias: Understanding the Stories of Foster & Adopted Children
Tuesday
March 7, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Becoming Sensory Smart
Wednesday
March 15, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD):
Advanced Course
Thursday
March 23, 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
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Webinars
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While You Wait
Wednesday & Thursday
January 11 & 12, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
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
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C.A.S.E. Webinars
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Click here for more information for any of the C.A.S.E. webinars.
Social Skills for Children and Adolescents: Practical evidence-based strategies from the CAAT PEERSĀ® Program
Thursday
January 26, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Click here to register.
Going the Extra Mile: Launching Teens and Young Adults with Special Needs
Thursday
February 16, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Parenting Sexually Abused Children
Tuesday
March 21, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Why and When to Address Racial Identity: Parenting Tasks in Transracial Adoptive Families
Thursday
April 20, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
What is Attachment-based Parenting?
Thursday
May 18, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
We are still Family: Supporting Relationships Between Separated Siblings
Thursday
June 15, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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| CONFERENCES |
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NACAC Annual Conference
July 19-22, 2017
Atlanta, GA
More info to come!
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Webcasts
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| 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?
Improving the Economic Security of Children in Foster Care and Young People Who Are Transitioning from Foster Care
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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:
Sing
xXx: The Return of Xander Cage
Tuesday Jan 24
The Lego Batman Movie
Saturday, Feb 11
Rings
Tuesday, Feb 14
Rock Dog
Saturday, Feb 25
Fist Fight
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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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I don't know about you, but the last couple of months of 2016 were incredibly stressful. The combination of the election, holidays, and family traumas that included two heart-stopping events (literally and figurately in both cases) left me emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and overwhelmed.
But 2017 is a new year, and the absolute best thing about us humans - we are very resilient. So, I'm ready to face the next set of challenges -- the first of which is getting this enewsletter out!
For those of you facing overwhelming challenges, remember to take care of yourself - physically and emotionally. Exercise. Swap one bad snack for a piece of fruit. Ask friends and family for help...and then accept that help! Sleep. Your family will be better off with a strong you for 2017!
Happy 2017 to ALL!
K. Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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COCAF Donors:
A heartfelt thank you to those who supported COCAF financially this year, including Kristi Beauchman, Frank & Carla Bennett, Joanne Brothers, Constance Cloak, Lys Damato, Joanne Garrison, Beth Gustas, Lori Holden, Paula Koyama, Stephen Krausz, Werner Kubitsch, Milt Murphy, James & Jennifer Parker, and Jana Zinser. If I missed anyone - PLEASE let me know!
And a special thank you to Sammons Retirement Solutions for DOUBLING their employee's donation to us - giving us an additional $6,000!
We appreciate each and every one of you and the adoptive/kinship/foster families of Colorado will be able to access advocacy services because of your generous donations.
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Is Your Child's Medicaid in Danger?
Congressional leaders and the incoming Trump Administration have been discussing proposals to block grant or provide per capita caps to limit Medicaid funding.
Both proposals would shift significant costs onto states and would lead to significant reductions in health care coverage and home and community based services and supports.
This could significantly hurt adoptive families whose children are covered by Medicaid.
To help the public and policymakers understand the impact of such changes, the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), developed a series of Medicaid Fact Sheets that analyze the impact of legislative efforts to limit Medicaid. Click here to go to the fact sheets.
If you are concerned about these changes, contact your senator and congressman to express your concerns.
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Adoption Camps -- Sign Up Soon!
2017 Heritage Camp Schedule
Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families have been offering culturally rich summer camp experiences for adoptive families since 1991. Click here for more information.
Adult Adoptee Retreat:
Registration March 8 - July 1
Camp dates: July 20-30 in Denver, CO
African/Caribbean:
Registration February 20 - May 8
Camp dates: June 8-11 in Denver, CO
Cambodian:
Registration March 1 - May 12
Camp dates: July 13-16, Fraser, CO
Chinese:
Registration March 15 - July 30
Camp dates: September 1-4 in Fraser, CO
Chinese II:
Registration March 1 - June 20
Camp Dates: July 20 -23 in Denver, CO
Domestic Adoption:
Registration March 8 - July 3
Camp dates: August 3 -6 in Denver, CO
Indian/Nepalese: Registration March 1 - May 5
Camp dates: July 6 - 9, Fraser, CO
Korean: Registration February 20 - April 21
Camp dates: June 15-18 in Fraser, CO
Latin American: Registration February 20 - April 21
Camp dates: June 22 -23 in Fraser, CO
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asians (REECA):
Registration March 1 - May 10
Camp dates: July 20-23, Fraser, CO
Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander (SEAPI):
Registration March 8 - May 12
Camp dates: July 13-16 in Estes Park, CO
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Openness in Adoption
Openness in adoption is always a hot topic. A study in Portugal on adoption communication openness found:
"The adoptees who were more curious and spoke more openly about adoption belonged to families in which parents also communicated more openly as a couple about everything and where there was more empathy towards the adoptee's origins and life story. In other words, adoption communication is a dynamic developmental process whose openness is strengthened through parent-child interaction."
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AFCARS Changes: New Data Will Benefit Foster Children & Adoptive Families
From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
New regulations recently published by the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the experience of children and families in foster care, adoption, and legal guardianship. These regulations improve data collection for the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). This is the first change to the system since 1993.
AFCARS data is submitted by state and tribal child welfare agencies twice a year. It currently includes demographics of children who have been removed from their homes, when and why a child entered out-of-home care, and characteristics of foster care, guardianship, and adoptive placements. The data is used to develop national policies, determine funding, and review and analyze current programs.
Over the next two years, and with the help of the Children's Bureau, state and tribal agencies will start collecting new and better data across several areas.
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Supreme Court to Hear Douglas County FAPE Case
From DisabilityScoop
As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to consider how much educational benefit schools must provide students with disabilities, everyone from lawmakers to states and advocates are weighing in.
A dozen amicus briefs have been filed in the case known as Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District since the high court said this fall that it would take up the matter.
The case marks the first time in more than three decades that the Supreme Court will hear arguments about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's mandate that public schools provide children with disabilities a free appropriate public education, or FAPE.
The suit was brought by Joseph F. and Jennifer F. after they removed their son with autism from his Colorado school district and placed him in a private school. The parents sought reimbursement from the Douglas County School District arguing that the boy, Drew, was not provided FAPE.
However, a hearing officer and two lower courts sided with the school district, determining that FAPE was provided because Drew received "some" educational benefit.
The family subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court asking for clarity on how much benefit FAPE requires citing differing standards from courts across the country.
With the matter now set to go before the high court, the case is garnering attention from all corners.
A half-dozen former U.S. Department of Education officials, including those who worked on special education policy under both Democratic and Republican administrations, filed a brief asking the justices to support a high bar for FAPE calling the standard relied on by lower courts in this case "contrary to the terms of the statute."
Meanwhile, 118 current and former Democratic members of Congress are urging the court to side with the family, insisting that "Congress intended the requirement that states provide an 'appropriate' education to mean one that meaningfully benefits the student."
A separate brief filed by attorneys general from Delaware, Massachusetts and New Mexico expresses similar sentiments.
The Supreme Court has also heard from a wide variety of advocacy groups including the National Disability Rights Network and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates among other stakeholders.
The case is expected to be heard this month.
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Preventing Teen Pregnancy in Foster Youth
From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Noting that teens in foster care face pregnancy rates twice as high as their peers, a new guide developed by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy presents 10 ways that youth-serving professionals can address this challenge for youth in care. The authors gathered input from more than 100 people, including child welfare workers, youth formerly in foster care, researchers, and others dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth involved with child welfare. Click here to read the entire report.
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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 remaining three one-hour webinars will be held from 6 to 7 PM MST and will address the following topics:
- 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.
To register, please contact Chrissy DeShazer at (720) 354-6120 or email cdeshazer@coloradodbs.org. Reasonable accommodations provided on request.
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Adoption Costs
If you are thinking about adopting and want to look at the costs associated with different types of adoption, check out the MoneyGeek website on Understanding the Costs of Child Adoption.
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EVENTS
January 19th - 7:00pm - 8:30pm
100 S Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Ever wonder how to make awesome costumes or pull off an ultimate prank or test your survival skills? Come and you WILL learn all this....and more! This event is great for teens.
Mutiny's Saturday Morning Cartoons!
January 28th - 10:00 a.m.-noon
2 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Come catch a bit of nostalgia of the old Saturday Morning routine of waking up early to catch the best shows. Cartoons, cereal, and coffee, last SATURDAY morning of every month.
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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.
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.
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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