Logo
Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   




Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
In This Issue
Smile & Donate!
SSI/SSDI Application Webinar
Supporting Foster Parents Who Adopt
Resolve Your Differences with a Child Welfare Professional
CHP+ Program
From Foster to Adoptive Parent
Tax Reform and Adoption
Health Insurance for Former Foster Care Youth Act.
National Adoption Month
Brain Development in Traumatized Children
Mental Health Colorado
Special Ed Guidance
Adoption Friendly Workplaces
Douglas County
Opiod Misuse
Children in Poverty
EVENTS
Support Groups

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
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

On the Fence...of Independent Living
Wednesday
November 8, 2017
5:30 p.m.
6446 Jay Road
Boulder, CO  80301
FREE
RSVP by Nov 7 to Betty Lehman 720.259.6073 or betty@lehmandp.com

ADHD
Monday
November 13, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Lone Tree Library Event Space
10055 Library Way
Lone Tree, CO  80124
Reservation required to dcparenting@usa.com

Differences Between 504 Plan and Special Education (IEP)
Tuesday
November 14, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
THRIVE Center Conference Room
2600 S Parker Road
Building 3, Suite 137
Aurora, CO  80014
Meal provided.
Call Katie at 303.632.6840 or email at katie@thrivectr.org for more info.

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

Webinars

Creative Discipline Strategies the Build Healthy Attachment
Wednesday
November 1, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.

The Best Ways to Handle Bullying at School
Wednesday
November 8, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
  Click here for more info.

The Mixed Emotions of Adoption Anniversaries, Birthdays, and Holidays
Wednesday
November 15, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
   Click here for more info.

Foster Care Adoption Orientation
Wednesday
November 15, 2017
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.

EMPOWRD! Ways to Respond to Adoption Questions
Wednesday
November 29, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
 Click here for more info.

Emotional Preparedness for Homeland Visits
Wednesday
December 6, 2017
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
$5.00
Click here for more info.



Webinar 
Series - Debunking The Myth: Getting an SSI/SSDI Application Approved The First Time
 
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 5 to 6 PM MST and will address the following topics: 
  • November 9, 2017 - The Basics of SSI and SSDI
  • November 16, 2017 -   The SSA Forms 3368, 827, & 1696
  • November 20, 2017 -  The Medical Eligibility Criteria
  • November 30, 2017 - The SSA Work History Report
  • December 7, 2017 - The SSA Adult Function Report
  • December 14, 2017 - Childhood to Adult Child Disability
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 $20 per
webinar or $100 for all six webinars.
 
To register, contact Byron Kish at (303) 515-1653 or email bkish@eastersealscolorado.org. Reasonable accommodations provided on request.

 
CONFERENCES

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

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:
 
Thor:  Ragnarok
Saturday,
November 11 &
Tuesday,
November 14

Coco
Saturday,
November 25

Justice League
Tuesday,
November 28



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

 
As an adoptive parent, I have struggled with my adoptive children knowing too much about their birth parents.  Because my children came from the foster care system, they knew who their birth parents were, but they did not all know all the facts that led to them being removed from their birth family.  Given these facts were unpleasant, I never planned on sharing them with my children.  I'm sure many of you have struggled with some of the same issues.  But I recently had an experience that changed my perspective.
 
I did the Ancestry® DNA test.  A few months later I got an email from a woman saying she was my 2nd cousin, and she wanted to talk to me.  She told me an all too familiar story:  In the mid-1950's, her mother found herself pregnant and unwed.  She was sent across the country to have the baby.  She kept the baby and stayed in her new location.  She met a nice man, married, and he adopted my cousin, SC.   SC had a good life, but she always wanted to know who her birth father was.  Her mother gave her a name, but because it was an uncommon name and SC didn't know how to spell it, she had never been able to find her father.  My DNA test gave her hope.
 
I immediately knew who SC was talking about.  I didn't know much about him, but I knew he had died a few years after SC's birth and that he had a son, meaning SC has a half-brother.  I told SC that I was in touch with one of her first cousins, RJ, and that I see if I could get her more information.  After talking to RJ, I found out that SC's father (who was RJ's uncle) had always been troubled.  He was most assuredly mentally ill at a time when mental illness was hidden, not treated.  He violently ended his own life as well as that of his newest wife. 
 
RJ ended up calling SC, and after talking for a while, she told SC everything.  SC called me a few hours later, and I let the call go to voice mail.  I was sure this isn't what she thought she'd find when she initially contacted me.  But the voice mail was SC thanking me for giving her family.  She was sincere and so incredibly happy to know where she came from, that her birth father's issues were completely outweighed by the fact that she has a brother, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
 
So when your children are old enough, consider letting them know where they came from.  It will mean more to them than you can imagine.

Hope your Thanksgiving is full of thanks! 
K. Colleen Tarket, 
COCAF Board of Directors
Preparing & Supporting Foster Parents Who Adopt 
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway

Child welfare practitioners are increasingly aware of the importance of foster parents as permanency resources for children and youth in foster care. Many children in foster care who become available for adoption are adopted by their foster parents. To facilitate these types of adoption, professionals should be knowledgeable about the benefits, costs, and practice implications.
 
How to Resolve Your Differences with a Child Welfare Professional -- In Spanish
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway

This factsheet provides parents (birth, foster, and adoptive) and other caregivers information about the best way to resolve their differences with a service provider or other child welfare professional.
 
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Program 
From the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)
shot_preparation.jpg
More than 75,000 kids are currently enrolled in CHP+ in Colorado - the program captures children in families with incomes too high to be eligible for Medicaid, but not necessarily high enough to afford personal insurance.  Federal funding for CHP+ ended September 30, 2017, when the federal fiscal year ended without Congressional action.  Congress can still act at any time to authorize funding coverage. 
 
HCPF estimates Colorado's funding will last until January 31, 2018; because of this, there are no immediate changes to CHP+ eligibility, enrollment, renewals, or benefits.  The Department is posting regular updates on its Future of CHP+  website (click here to go to the website).
 
You may voice your opinion on the importance of this program by contacting your members of Congress by searching: Elected Officials | USAGov
From Foster to Adoptive Parent 
From Adoptive Families Magazine

From Foster to Adoptive Parent is a very poignant memoir published in Adoptive Families magazine that talks about the joys and struggles of adopting from the foster care system.  Click here to read the article. 
 
Tax Reform and Adoption 

dollar_bill.jpg
Congress is moving forward quickly on tax reform, and it is essential that we remind them of the importance of the Adoption Tax Credit. The "Unified Framework" recently agreed upon between the Congressional Majority and President Trump's Administration proposes to eliminate nearly all tax credits - this means the Adoption Tax Credit is on the table. While the Adoption Tax Credit lost much of its value when it became a "credit" only (it decreases the taxable income, but it is not refundable), it still helps those with limited income who adopt. 
You can help by sending your Members of Congress a message by
visiting  http://AdoptionTaxCredit.org/Take-Action/ . Be sure to include your name, full address, and email address so that your Members of Congress can respond to you.
Health Insurance for Former Foster Care Youth Act 

The Senate has introduced the Health Insurance for Former Foster Youth Act ( S.1797 ), which would ensure youth who age out of foster care or enter a kinship arrangement at the age of 14 or older have Medicaid coverage until the age of 26 no matter which state they live in.
 

National Adoption Month 2017 

COCAF Logo
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.  


Brain Development in Traumatized Children 
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway
handshake_head_brain.jpg

The Supporting Brain Development in Traumatized Children and Youth bulletin summarizes the effects of early trauma on brain development and looks at steps child welfare professionals can take to screen for developmental delays and identify the trauma-affected children and youth in their care. It also looks at ways to access cross-sector, therapeutic, and evidence-based treatment to encourage healthy recovery for trauma-affected children and youth.  Click here to read the bulletin.
Information from Mental Health Colorado 

The number of tragedies that have struck our nation, and neighboring counties, this year have been unprecedented.  How do you explain these events to your children? To yourself?
 
You don't have to face this struggle alone. You can reach a mental health professional or a peer specialist by calling 844-493-8255, or by texting TALK to 38255.
 
Colorado's Crisis and Support Line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The service is free, confidential, and available to anyone.
 
You can call whether you're struggling with a mental or emotional problem, concerned about a friend or family member, or seeking a referral. You can also find a list of walk-in centers and other resources at coloradocrisisservices.org .
 
Mental health care can save lives .

Special Ed Guidance 

The U.S. Department of Education is withdrawing dozens of guidance documents addressing everything from transition to due process as part of a Trump administration effort to do away with unnecessary regulation.
 
The Education Department said Friday that it has rescinded  72 guidance documents  - 63 from the Office of Special Education Programs and nine from the Rehabilitation Services Administration - some of which have been on record for decades.
 
Adoption Friendly Workplaces

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption publishes a list of the top 100 best adoption-friendly workplaces.  Click here to see the list for 2017!

 
Parenting Resources for Douglas County 

Douglas County Parenting Coalition provides free parenting programs to residents of Douglas County.  Click here for more information.
Childhood Trauma Linked to Opiod Misuse 
From the Children's Bureau Express
A recent brief highlighting the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and opioid misuse contends that a trauma-informed approach will be essential to resolving the nation's opioid epidemic. The brief recommends the use of evidence-based therapeutic treatment programs to get at the roots of addiction and investment in both proven and promising substance use prevention and treatment strategies .
 

Children in Poverty 

children_happy_family.jpg
The Census Bureau released its 2016  
data on child poverty   and the rate remains unacceptably high. More than 13 million American kids are living in poverty. Children make up 23 percent of the population, but they account for 33 percent of Americans living in poverty.
 
EVENTS 

Denver Arts Week
November 3-11, 2017
Art viewing, theatre, films, art purchasing for $52.80 - are just a few of the events during Denver Arts Week.  Click here for more informatio n.

2017 Run for Orphans
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Kids 1 Mile Run 9:00 a.m.
5K Run/Walk 9:30 a.m.

Appetite for Adoption
A fundraiser for Gift of Adoption Colorado
Saturday, November 18, 2017 
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wash Park Grill, 1096 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO
Appetizers provided.  Come learn about current Colorado needs, meet past recipients, and help change lives.  Stay for dinner and 25% will be donated to Gift of Adoption.

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.
For more info or to register: cathy@bvchristian.org

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
For more information, email bonnie.robertson02@yahoo.com . 
  
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
For more information, contact Tim Paxton at 970-691-5737 or by email at timpaxton33@gmail.com.
 
  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
Contact Carol Villa at 303-790-1055 for more information or email Littleton@empowercolorado.com

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:  eleslie15@gmail.com 
 
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.

  
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