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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 |
Race & Adoption:
The Crossroads
October 6 & 7, 2017
Fri 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Natural Grocers
4500 E Alameda Ave
Denver, CO 80246
Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
October 10, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
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
TRBI Caregiver Training: Introduction & Overview:
A TBRI Primer
Friday
November 3, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
November 14, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
TRBI Caregiver Training: Correcting Principles: Addressing Fear-Based Behaviors
Friday
December 1, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Colorado Adoption Information Class
December 12, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
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Webinars
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Responding to Trauma Reactions: Part 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: Part 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: Part 5 Argumentative & Oppositional
Wednesday
October 18, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.
Adoption Options Orientation
Wednesday
October 18, 2017
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Responding to Trauma Reactions: Part 6 Bedtime Struggles
Creative Discipline Strategies the Build Healthy Attachment
Wednesday
November 1, 2017
The Best Ways to Handle Bullying at School
Wednesday
November 8, 2017
The Mixed Emotions of Adoption Anniversaries, Birthdays, and Holidays
Foster Care Adoption Orientation
EMPOWRD! Ways to Respond to Adoption Questions
Emotional Preparedness for Homeland Visits
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| 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
Male Impact Summit - Adoption Search Resource Connection
Friday-Sunday
October 13-15, 2017
Begins Fri 7:00 p.m.
Ends Sun 11:00 a.m.
Devils Thumb Ranch
Resort & Spa
3530 Country Road 83
Tabernash, CO 80478
Relatives Raising Children
Friday
November 17, 2017
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Adams County Conference Center
4430 S Adams County Parkway
Brighton, CO 80601
$10 fee includes breakfast & lunch
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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:
Blade Runner
Tuesday,
October 10
Saturday, October 14
Geostorm
Tuesday,
October 24
Thor: Ragnarok
Saturday,
November 11 &
Tuesday,
November 14
Coco
Saturday,
November 25
Justice League
Tuesday,
November 28
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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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We want to thank all of you who took the time to contact your senators about the health care bill.
We hate to inundate you with emails, but ensuring that our children have the appropriate health care coverage is critical. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for calling, emailing, and texting. Together we can make sure our elected officials are looking out for our best interests, not big business interests.
Hoping all your trick-or-treaters are treated right!
K. Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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COCAF Advice: Know Your Rights!
Did you know that
per Colorado Regulation 7.404.E.4, a family can only be assessed up to the amount of the adoption subsidy when a child who was adopted is placed out of home through a county?
So, if your child is placed in an out-of-home facility through the county, be sure to discuss your adoption assistance payments (subsidy) with the county and make sure if you are assessed any costs, that they do not exceed your adoption assistance monthly amount. If you are asked to pay more than that amount, contact COCAF for assistance.
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Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conference
Colorado families who have a child with a disability and directors of special education, principals, special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, health care and other Colorado professionals interested in the family and school partnership who work with children or youth with disabilities are invited to attend the 2017-2018 Parents Encouraging Parents Conferences!
PEP Conferences are designed to promote family and school partnerships that are essential in supporting students with disabilities and their families in schools and the community. PEP brings families and professionals together by sharing ideas, discussing concerns, celebrating successes and obtaining information related to parenting, educating and partnering to support student learning. PEP is a non-specific disability conference that focuses on commonalities. PEP Conferences are offered at no cost to attendees.
PEP is held from 5:00 p.m. Thursday through 3:00 p.m. Saturday. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Exceptional Student Services Unit (ESSU) pays for lodging and participant meals - excluding Friday night's dinner. To enable more families and professionals to participate, PEP Conferences are scheduled throughout Colorado.
Sessions
- Parenting a Child with a Disability and Rebuilding Dreams
- The Law and the Education of Children with Disabilities
- Living with a Disability
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Early Childhood Supports and Services
- Transition IEP and more!
2017-2018 Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conference Dates and Locations:
- Fall 2017 - October 19-21, 2017 - Breckenridge, CO
- Winter 2018 - February 22-24, 2018 - Colorado Springs, CO
- Spring 2018 - April 26-28, 2018 - Crested Butte, CO
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Adoptive Families Coalition (AFC) Resources
Parents looking for resources for their children with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges should look at the resources offered by Adoptive Families Coalition (AFC). AFC also offers sponsorships to help with some of the costs of therapy.
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Indoor Playground for Neurological Growth
We Rock the Spectrum is a gym/indoor playground that provides children (infants and up) with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills.
The unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. In addition to the Open Play Time option ($12/child), they offer two levels of We Rock Care services: Respite & Break Time Care and One-to-One Attendant Care. Respite & Break Time Care is designed to provide a break for families with children with special needs. They understand how difficult it is to balance the needs of siblings, spouses, or yourself, so this service is designed with you in mind.
Children without a special needs diagnosis may also use this service.
For children who require constant care and who have behavioral or safety concerns, they've created a more intensive level of support with our One-to-One Attendant Care. Be sure to check with your local state-funded program to see if you qualify for services.
ARVADA:
8330 W 80th Ave #1, Arvada, CO 80005
303-284-3049
LITTLETON:
Southwest Commons, 8601 W. Cross Dr. Ste. B6-2, Littleton, CO 80123
303-948-0529
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Supporting Families to Prevent Adoption Disruption
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway
Complex and interconnected factors can contribute to an adoption disruption or dissolution, including child behavior, adoptive family expectations, or a child welfare agency's limited resources. Adoption disruption refers to an adoption process that ends after a child is placed in an adoptive home but before the adoption is finalized, while adoption dissolution refers to the severance of the legal relationships between the adoptive parents and adoptive child after the adoption is finalized.
The resources below are designed to explain the factors that contribute to unsuccessful adoptions, as well as practical ways to help families and children avoid disruption and dissolution when possible:
- Learn about the distinction and prevalence of disruptions and dissolutions in Adoption Disruption and Dissolution from Child Welfare Information Gateway. This numbers and trends report discusses changes in the occurrence of unsuccessful adoptions over time as well as factors that contribute to the likelihood of disruption or dissolution.
- Search for relevant programs and services in the Intervention and Program Catalog from the Quality Improvement Center for Adoption & Guardianship Support and Preservation. This resource identifies programs and evidence-based practices that address post-permanency needs for children in foster care.
- Examine the ways in which child welfare professionals can intervene before and after adoption placements to prevent disruption in Plan, Prepare, and Support to Prevent Disruptions by the National American Council on Adoptable Children. This resource discusses how child/family matching, preparation, planned transition, and family support can avert adoption disruption or dissolution.
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Adoptees in Search Now ASRC
Adoptees in Search has changed its name. The new non-profit organization is called Adoption Search Resource Connection, and the website is
asrconline. ASRC welcomes parents by birth and adoption, adult adoptees, foster care alumni, those created through assisted reproduction, and professionals and counselors.
ASRC is hosting a first of its kind summit for men, 18+, who have been affected by loss of family continuity through relinquishment, adoption, foster care, and/or assisted reproduction. The Male Adoptee/Alumni Impact Summit will be held at the D
evils Thumb Ranch Resort & Spas, October 13-15.
To register, click here.
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National Adoption Month 2017
November is National Adoption month, and the National Adoption Month 2017 website is up and running. The website provides information to help adoptive families and adoption professionals. This year's website focuses on teens.
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Disparity in Diagnosis for Nonwhite Children
A recent university study shows that among children who were otherwise similar in their academic achievement, poverty exposure, gender, and English language learner status, racial or ethnic minority children were consistently less likely than Caucasian children to be identified as having disabilities.
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Horse Power for Parents Workshop Series
This equine-assisted learning workshop for foster and adoptive parents of traumatized children
does not include riding horses. No horse experience is necessary.
Non-Predatory Family Leadership
Saturday,
October 14, 2017
8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Groundwork Psychotherapy & Learning
10433 Dillon Rd,
Louisville, CO 80027
Behavior Management for Traumatized Children
Saturday,
November 11, 2017
8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Groundwork Psychotherapy & Learning
10433 Dillon Rd,
Louisville, CO 80027
Problem-Solving for Everyday Challenges
Saturday,
December 9, 2017
8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Groundwork Psychotherapy & Learning
10433 Dillon Rd,
Louisville, CO 80027
The Essentials of Structure and Boundaries
Saturday,
January 13, 2018
8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Groundwork Psychotherapy & Learning
10433 Dillon Rd,
Louisville, CO 80027
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Adopting from Foster Care
From Adoptive Families Magazine
104,000 children in the U.S. foster-care system are waiting for permanent homes. Could you be the perfect parent to one of them?
Click here to read the
Adoptive Families Magazine article on how to adopt from the foster care system.
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EVENTS
CenterSPOTT: Support for Parents of Troubled Teens
Harnessing the Power of Parental Self-Care
Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
McLain Community High School, 13600 W 2nd Place, Lakewood, CO
CenterSPOTT champions and facilitates the practice of parental self-care with a special focus on support for parents of troubled teens, CenterSPOTT helps discouraged and isolated parents cultivate a greater sense of inner balance, connection, and community.
Click here to read more about what CenterSPOTT has to offer.
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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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