| |
|
|
|
Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
|
| 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 |
Special Education Law
Monday
September 11, 2017
Arc of Pueblo
2705 Vinewood Lane
Pueblo, CO
Free, includes dinner
Call Jennifer Levin at 303-722-0300 or email
jlevin@disabilitylawco.org for more information.
All About the Colorado Able Accounts
Tuesday
September 12, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Arc
13949 W Colfax Ave, Bldg 1, Ste 150
Lakewood, CO 80401
Free
Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
September 12, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exhange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Plan for the Future for a Person with Disabilities
Wednesday
September 13, 2017
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
Call Megan Martin at
303-462-6590 to register.
Special Education Law
Thursday
September 14, 2017
Arc of Pueblo
2705 Vinewood Lane
Pueblo, CO
Free, includes dinner
Call Jennifer Levin at
TRBI Caregiver Training: Intro & Overview - a TBRI Primer
Friday
September 15, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Guardianship & Options When a Person Turns 18
Tuesday
September 19, 2017
The Arc
13949 W Colfax Ave, Ste 150
Lakewood, CO 80228
Click here for more info.
Mobilizing Families Parent Empowerment Training
Thursday
September 28, 2017 to November 2, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The Arc
13949 W Colfax Ave, Ste 150, Lakewood, CO 80228
Click here for more info.
Basics of Special Education
Thursday
September 28, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Developmental Pathways
11111 E Mississippi Ave.
So Now You Are a Guardian or Thinking about Becoming a Co-Guardian
Wednesday
October 11, 2017
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
DDRC
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO 80215
Call Megan Martin at 303-462-6590 to register.
TBRI Caregiver Training: Empowering Principles - Addressing Physical Needs
Friday
October 20, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
|
|
Webinars
|
Talking to Your Child's Teacher About Inclusive Family Trees
September 6, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
SSI/SSDI: The Medical Eligibility Criteria
Thursday
September 7, 2017
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Contact Byron Kish at
Brain, Behaviors, and Regulation
Friday
September 8, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.
How Trauma Impacts the Adoptee Brain: Implicit Memories & the 6 F's
Wednesday
September 13, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.
Parenting Teens from Trauma
Wednesday
September 13, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
SSI/SSDI: The SSA Work History Report
Thursday
September 14, 2017
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Contact Byron Kish at
Responding to Trauma Reactions: Pt. 1 Transitions & Separation Anxiety
Wednesday
September 20, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.
SSI/SSDI: The SSA Adult Function Report
Thursday
September 21, 2017
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Contact Byron Kish at
Responding to Trauma Reactions: Pt. 2 Homework Headaches
Wednesday
September 27, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.
SSI/SSDI: Childhood to Adult Child Disability
Thursday
September 28, 2017
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Contact Byron Kish at
Responding to Trauma Reactions: Pt. 3 Rages & Aggression
Wednesday
October 4, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.
Responding to Trauma Reactions: Pt. 4 Lying, Stealing & Hoarding
Wednesday
October 11, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.
Responding to Trauma Reactions: Pt. 5 Argumentative & Oppositional
Wednesday
October 18, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.
Responding to Trauma Reactions: Pt. 6 Bedtime Struggles
Wednesday
October 25, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.
|
| CONFERENCES |
2017 Reading in the Rockies Conference
Friday & Saturday
October 6 & 7, 2017
Vail Marriott Mountain Resort
Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children (ATTACh)
Annual Conference
October 12-14, 2017
Denver Marriot Tech Center
4900 S Syracyse St
Denver, CO 80237
|
|
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:
Leap
Saturday, September 9
It
Tuesday, September 12
Lego Ninjago
Saturday, September 23
Kingsman The Golden Circle
Tuesday, September 26
|
|
|
|
FREE RESOURCES
|
|
Looking for books or movies about adoption? Or how to deal with school-related adoption issues?
|
|
|
The devastation in south Texas and Louisiana reminds all of us how fragile life is and how we all need to work together. Talk to your children about how the people in these areas are coming together to help each other. Disasters are traumatizing, but finding the good - the helpers - gives us all hope for a better world. Then help your children replace their fears that this could happen to them with an action plan to help those in the disaster area. Even if it's just something as simple as donating a few dollars, it shows your children that they can be a helper, too.
Hoping all your families are safe!
K. Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
|
Grandfacts Colorado
Grandparents and other family members caring for children related to them can find resources in the Grandfacts: Colorado information sheet.
|
|
|
Engaging Dads
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway
Information Gateway recently added a new video to the
Building Community, Building Hope collection called "Dad's Rock! Nurturing Father Engagement." "Dad's Rock!" follows fathers on the journey to deepen their bonds with their children and the professionals working to improve father engagement. Research indicates children have increased positive outcomes when dads are involved, and yet all too often, agencies struggle to attract fathers to their services, and fathers face unconscious bias that keeps them at arms' length. Highlighting the work of the Children's Trust of Massachusetts Fatherhood Initiative, this film takes viewers into home visits with dads, father support groups, and professional men's family service providers' groups. The 11-minute video provides insights into working differently with dads and addressing existing biases. Watch this and other videos in the Building Community, Building Hope by
clicking here.
|
|
|
Adoptee Relationship Techniques for Teens
A new 8-week group for adopted teens only starts on September 11, 2017, hosted by the AllHealth Network, 155 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO 80112. The group is open to adopted teens aged 13-18 in the AllHealth Network.
If your teen wants to participate and isn't currently in the AllHealth Network, call 303-730-8858 to complete an intake.
|
|
|
Special Needs Trusts
From disabilityscoop
Special needs trusts have a new level of flexibility and federal officials are working to ensure that state Medicaid directors understand the implications.
Under a law passed late last year, individuals with disabilities can for the first time establish special needs trusts for themselves.
The shift, designed to make saving money easier for those with disabilities, is significant. Previously, trusts had to be created by a third party.
|
|
|
Target Rolls Out Sensory-Friendly Apparel
From disabilityscoop
Retail giant Target is rolling out a collection of sensory-friendly apparel for children and says adaptive clothing for those with disabilities is on the way too.
The new offerings are part of the retailer's house brand Cat & Jack and are available exclusively on the store's website.
Beginning this week, Target is marketing a selection of t-shirts and leggings with flat seams that are free from bothersome tags and embellishments in order to "minimize discomfort when in contact with the skin," the company said. In addition, the retailer's sensory-friendly leggings include extra room in the hips and a higher rise to accommodate older kids who wear diapers.
|
|
|
Free Parks Passes
People with permanent brain-based learning disabilities or other health impairments, including dyslexia and ADHD, are eligible for a free lifetime pass to National Parks.
The Access Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities.
A permanent disability is a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
Access passes may be obtained in person (child does not need to be present) or by mail, with proper documentation. Necessary documentation includes a photo ID with proof of US residency, such as a passport, as well as one of the following:
- Statement by a licensed physician or medical practitioner
- Document issued by a State or Federal agency, such as a public school's Individual Education Plan (IEP)
|
|
|
Eye Contact and Autism
From disabilityscoop
A new study shows eye contact overstimulates the brain of those with autism.
Avoiding direct eye contact with others is one of the most common characteristics associated with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Many have traditionally assumed it is a sign of social or personal indifference.
Not so, says a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Click here to read the study.
According to the study, looking someone in the eye can result in unpleasant overstimulation of the brain for people with autism.
Click here to read the entire disabilityscoop article.
|
|
|
Facilitator Needed
Aurora Mental Health Adoption Support Group is looking for a facilitator. If you are interested, call Nancy Regalado at
303-596-6500.
|
|
|
|
EVENTS
Project Uplift Fundraiser
Saturday, September 9, 2017, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Whole Foods Market, 2201 S College, Fort Collins, CO
Watch this local CrossFit competition or just be an observer! Be ready for a high-energy day with amazing athletes, families, and friends. There will be fun activities for kids and lots of vendors. Paleo friendly meals will be available in the parking lot, and Whole Foods Market will feature event specials all day in the store.
Competing Athletes: Every athlete will receive a killer bag with an event t-shirt and local suppliers schwag, over a $65 value! Visit
http://www.boxtribetracker.com/2020/web/# to see the different divisions.
If you can't compete, no worries, come support us by shopping at Whole Foods Market Fort Collins: Kids at Heart will be the bag credit recipients for July - September 2017, making it possible to support our organization all summer long! At the register, customers have the option to receive the 10 cents per bag refund as cash back off their receipt or they can choose to donate it to Kids at Heart.
Denver Children's Advocacy Center's (DCAC) Art from the Heart
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Space Gallery
By featuring the artwork created by many of DCAC's clients, Art from the Heart will draw attention to the transformative power of art and the art therapy utilized by DCAC's therapists. Art from the Heart will help support DCAC's many programs that positively impact Denver's most vulnerable children and families. The event will include a live auction, food and drinks, wine raffle, interactive art activities and live music.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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.
|
 |
|
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
|
|
|
