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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 |
The Impact of Trauma on a Young Child's Development
Wednesday
April 5, 2017
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FREE
Denver Indian Center
4407 Morrison Rd
Denver, CO 80219
Click here for more info.
Special Needs Planning Workshops
Thursday
April 6, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Southglenn Public Library
6973 S Vine St
Centennial, CO
Empowered to Connect Conference Simulcast
Friday & Saturday
April 7 & 8, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Ken Caryl Church
8395 W. Ken Caryl Ave
Littleton, CO 80128
Guardianship & Options When a Person Turns 18
Tuesdays
April 11 & 18, 2017
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DDRC
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
While You Wait: Matching, Preparing for Placement, and the 1st 48 Hours a Child Is in Your Home
Wednesday
April 12, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Adoption exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Trauma-Informed Practices: Huerfano County
Monday & Tuesday
April 17 & 18, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FREE
In English:
Huerfano County Community Center
928 Russell St
Walsenburg, CO 81089
In Spanish:
Spanish Peaks Library District
415 Walsen Ave
Walsenburg, CO 81089
Special Needs Planning Workshops
Wednesday
April 19, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Koelbel Public Library
5955 S Holly St
Centennial, CO
Trauma-Informed Practices: Alamosa County
Wednesday & Thursday
April 19 & 20, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FREE
Grizzly Inn
Grizzly Training Center
1919 Main St
Alamosa, CO 81101
TRBI Caregiver Training: Empowering Principles-Addressing Physical Needs
Friday
April 21, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Toxic Love: When Offenders Enter the Family System
Wednesday
April 26, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Mile High United Way
711 Park Avenue West
Denver, CO 80205
TRBI Caregiver Training: Intro & Overview
Friday
May 5, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
So Now You Are a Guardian or Thinking of Becoming a Co-Guardian
Wednesday
May 10, 2017
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DDRC
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
Trauma-Informed Practices: Morgan County
Monday & Tuesday
May 15 & 16, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FREE
East Morgan County Public Library
500 Clayton
Brush, CO 80723
Plan for the Future for a Person with Disabilities
Tuesday
May 16, 2017
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DDRC
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
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Webinars
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Transracial Adoption Bootcamp:
Race & Resilience
Saturday
May 6, 2017
Noon - 5:30 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
Trauma-Informed Care
In English
Wednesday
July 26, 2017
9:00 a.m. - noon
Trauma-Informed Care
In Spanish
Friday
July 28, 2017
9:00 a.m. - noon
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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.
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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49th Annual Autism Society National Conference
July 12-15, 2017
Milwaukee, WI
NACAC Annual Conference
July 19-22, 2017
Atlanta, GA
More info to come!
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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:
Saturday, April 8
Gifted
Tuesday, April 11
Smurfs: The Lost Village
Saturday, April 22
The Fate of the Furious
Tuesday, April 25
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Tuesday, May 9
Saturday, May 13
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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 Feb 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 Mar 15 - July 30
Camp dates: September 1-4 in Fraser, CO
Chinese II:
Registration Mar 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 Feb 20 - April 21
Camp dates: June 15-18 in Fraser, CO
Latin American: Registation Feb 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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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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Free Overnight Camp for Foster & Kinship Kids
Every foster or kinship child, ages 6-12, can experience a 5-day overnight camp for free. Your children may also be eligible to participate in a year-round mentoring club. Registration generally begins in March, but call to inquire ASAP.
Arvada: Arvada Covenant Church - Camp #005-June 19-23
5555 Ward Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Camp Directors: Will & Mikki Le Vett, Phone: (303) 422-1235
Englewood/Denver: The Sacred Grace - Camp #066-June 19-23
3220 S Acoma Street, Englewood, CO 80110
Camp Director: Nate Galuzzi, Phone: (303) 422-3777
Littleton: Waterstone Community Church - Camp #234-June 5-9
5890 S. Alkire Street, Littleton, CO 80127
Camp Director: Maryann Jennings, Phone: (303) 520-5370
Parker: Southeast Christian Church - Camp #272-June 5-9
9650 Jordan Road, Parker, CO 80134
Camp Director: Kim Webb, Phone: (303) 841-9292
Windsor/Weld County: Timberline Church - Camp #334-June 26-30
360 Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO 80550
Camp Directors: Pat & Kathy Seeboth, Phone: (970) 686-8494
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SUMMER CAMP
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ABLE to Sail is a 4-day summer day-camp youth empowerment experience at Union Reservoir
Monday-Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
June through August
Or call: 720-233-8969
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As the political climate continues to bubble and boil in ways we've never before experienced, COCAF is trying to stay abreast of the issues that will affect the adoptive/kinship/guardianship/foster families in Colorado.
We will do our best to keep you informed; we need to make sure that our families have the resources they need to be successful. But we need you to make sure your voice is heard -- call or email your state and federal representatives and let them know where you stand on the issues.
Happy Spring!
K. Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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What's Happening to Post-Adoption Support in Colorado?
COCAF Executive Director Deborah Cave continues to work with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to address the changes in funding for post-adoption services and support.
Deborah discovered that while CDHS studied and planned this change over a 2-year period, including a focus group made up of state and county personnel, no adoptive parent or adoption advocacy group (national or local) was included in this decision-making process.
This change in funding directly impacts The Adoption Exchange's Colorado Post-Adoption Resource Center (COPARC) and the services they provided adoptive and kinship families state-wide.
At this time, it appears that only 27 Colorado counties will have PSSF funding for post-adoption services, and even in those counties, there is no assurance that the funds will actually be used for post-adoption services. As it currently stands, those counties can use those funds for adoption recruitment or post-adoption support.
COCAF feels strongly that post-adoption support is critical to the success of families who have adopted from the foster care system. Without this support, some families will not be able to maintain their severely traumatized adopted children in their homes, and the number of adoption disruptions will probably increase.
Please look at the article below on CDHS state-wide meetings to discuss what is needed by adoptive families and PLAN TO ATTEND a meeting and let the State know what you need. We need the voices of adoptive families to be heard.
If you cannot attend, please send your questions to COCAF at colleen.tarket@cocaf.org and we will take your questions to one of the meetings.
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You Are Invited: CDHS Hosts Adoption Resources Meetings
Join CDHS for a discussion with families and providers who have been touched by the child welfare system through adoption, permanent custody, or guardianship of children/youth. As a group, we will be looking to identify post-permanency supports and services.
Agenda
- Sue Badeau - Adoptive parent, national advocate/speaker/facilitator: Perspective on Permanency and Post-Permanency
- Family and provider discussion regarding their experiences and networking
- Brain storming ideas to identify post-permanency supports and services.
Lunch is provided. RSVP by April 6th for attendance and lunch (specify if you need gluten free or vegetarian).
Locations/Dates for Families Living in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld, Douglas, Lincoln, & Elbert:
April 10, 2017 from 10 am -2 pm at Budweiser Events Center, 5290 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538, The Grill is located on the 4th floor/suite level
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April 12, 2017 from 10 am -2 pm at the Summit Conference & Event Center,
411 Sable Blvd, Aurora, CO 80011.
Locations/Dates for Families Living in El Paso, Custer, Fremont, Pueblo, & Teller:
April 11, 2017 from 9:00-1:00 pm at Pikes Peak Library District - Library 21c,
1175 Chapel Hills Drive, Venue Room, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Please RSVP with your following contact person:
If you are from Custer, Douglas, Elbert, Fremont, Lincoln, Pueblo, & Teller Counties, or live in a county not listed above and would like to attend, please contact Mary Griffin, CDHS: 303.866.3546 or mary.griffin@state.co.us.
When RSVPing for any of the dates, you must put "RSVP" in subject line, identify which event you will be attending, how many in your party, and any dietary restriction.
Child care not provided.
Events sponsored in conjunction with Colorado Department of Human Services.
Contact your county liaison for information about mileage reimbursement for those traveling 40 miles or more one way.
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Sensory Library Opens
The Adoption Exchange has started a Sensory Library to support parents by giving limited-time access to sensory items for their children to try the tools prior to financially investing in the item at home.
To check out an item for a 1-month trial, parents must have attended either The Adoption Exchange's Trust-Based Relational Intervention® Empowering training or the Becoming Sensory Smart training.
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Domestic Adoption Camp - Sign Up Now!
Come join "the family" at the 7th Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families' Domestic Adoption Camp 2017
August 3-6 at Regis University. The theme this year is Family Tree: Mighty Strong. The concept of a family tree is so central to family life. While family trees are an important source of interest and pride in most families, they can be somewhat challenging to navigate for adoptees and adoptive families.
Campers will examine that issue together in the camp environment to assist each other in addressing it. A favorite inspirational poem entitled, "The Mighty Oak Tree," has been chosen to convey the fortitude of our families. We, as individual family units and as a wider adoption community, are "mighty strong" in triumphing over any and all trials we may face.
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Supreme Court Backs More Robust Standards for FAPE
From disabilityscoop
In a unanimous
ruling
with major implications for special education, the U.S. Supreme Court said that public schools must provide students with disabilities more than a minimal benefit.
The decision issued comes in a case known as Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, which pitted the parents of a Douglas County, Colorado boy with autism against their school district.
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Adoption Tax Credit Webinar
Watch a replay of the Adoption Tax Credit free webinar from Adoptive Families magazine by clicking here.
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Finding Adoption-Competent Therapists
Here are some recommendations for finding an adoption-competent therapist:
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Adoption Online Classes
For those of you who don't have time to go to a classroom, try The Adoption Exchange's Online Learning Centers. Classes range from basic information on adoption to specific topics like Navigating Special Education, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, and Secondary Trauma Resources.
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EVENTS
Annual HCAF Gala
April 8, 2017, 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Tickets: $85 per person, or $850 for a table of 10
You're invited to the Annual Gala Benefiting Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families & Celebrating our Strength through Diversity & Inclusion!
Emcee:
Debbie Scheer, camp mom and professional stand-up comic!
Entertainment:
Great variety of cultural entertainers!
Food:
Delicious tasting stations from around the world!
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Foreign-Born Adoptees: Citizenship Issues
There concerns regarding international adoptees of all ages not having the citizenship documents they need to renew passports, complete college financial aid information, etc.
Here is information from a prominent immigration lawyer:
Question:
If a person was adopted internationally before the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, and do NOT have their naturalization paperwork, what steps do they have to take (now as adults) to get that done?
Answer
: IF they do not have a Certificate of Naturalization, they probably are not citizens. Before the Child Citizenship Act, many adoptive parents did not know that they had to apply for citizenship for their adopted children - that was a big reason why congress passed the Act in 2000. These adult adopted children can and should apply for citizenship as soon as possible. They file FORM N-400.
However, if the person was under 18 at the time the law passed, they probably are citizens, but you should take time to verify this is true and not just assume the adoptee is a US citizen.
One question that sometimes comes up in these cases is whether the adoptees voted (because they thought they were citizens). There's an exception for people who reasonably believed they were citizens [and voted]. If they are applying now, I strongly suggest they hire an attorney, just to help the process go smoothly.
Question:
If a person was adopted internationally after the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 and have only a passport, do they still need to get their naturalization paperwork?
Answer:
They absolutely should apply for a Certificate of Citizenship using FORM N-600. There have recently been adoptees with U.S. passports having a passport renewal denied until she/he can present a Certificate of Citizenship. Hiring an attorney is not as necessary to process this form, but still may be prudent to be sure it is all done correctly.
Social Security Information:
Even if you DO have the Certificate of Citizenship and passport for your child, the Social Security Administration may still have him or her listed as an "alien" (meaning immigrant). You do need to get that status removed before your child enters the work force or applies to college. Contact your local Social Security Administration to find out your child's status. You will need your child's SS# when you call. If you need to change the status, you must physically go with your child to the SS Administration in your town and bring all the citizenship and adoption documentation to get the status changed. When you call they will tell you what you need.
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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.
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.
Parents of Children 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).
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
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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