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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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2019 TBRI®: Caregiver Training
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TBRI® Introduction and Overview
Feb 7, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Firestone)
May 1, 2020 9 am- 11 am (Greeley)
Jul 17, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Firestone)
Oct 9, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Greeley)
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TBRI® Connecting Principles*
Feb 7, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Firestone)
May 1, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Greeley)
Jul 17, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Firestone)
Oct 9, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Greeley)
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TBRI® Empowering Principles*
Feb 21, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
May 8, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
Jul 24, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
Oct 16, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
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TBRI® Correcting Principles*
Feb 28, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
May 15, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
Jul 31, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
Oct 23, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
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* TBRI® Introduction and Overview is a prerequisite.
Training Locations:
Greeley - Weld County Training Center: 1104 H St, Greeley, CO 80631
Firestone - Weld County Southwest Service Center: 4209 County Rd 24 1/2, Longmont, CO 80504
Lunch & childcare will not be provided.
A 60 min lunch break will be offered.
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WEBINARS
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Adoption Assistance Eligibility & Benefits
Wednesday
December 4, 2019
1:00 p.m.
Helping Kids with Trauma Histories Get Through Their School Days
Thursday
December 5, 2019
Click here for more info.
Parents as Changemakers: Effective Policy Advocate
Wednesday
December 11, 2019
1:00 p.m.
Exploring the Effects of Implicit Memory from an Adoptee's Perspective
Friday
December 13, 2019
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Parenting Youth in LGBTQ+ Adoptive Families
Thursday
January 23, 2020
Click here for more info.
What Teens and Their Parents Need to Know about Search and Reunion
Thursday
February 27, 2020
Click here for more info.
Would My Child Benefit from Medication
Thursday
April 23, 2020
Click here for more info.
Foster Parent Challenges: Embracing the Loss and Grief that Comes with Transitions, Reunification and Co-Parenting
Thursday
May 21, 2020
Click here for more info.
5 Common Emotional/Behavioral Challenges Children Face and Strategies for Addressing Them (part 1)
Thursday
June 18, 2020
Click here for more info.
5 Common Emotional/Behavioral Challenges Children Face and Strategies for Addressing Them (part 2)
Thursday
July 9, 2020
Click here for more info.
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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:
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Sensory Friendly Events
Longmont Get Air Trampoline Park
2251 Ken Pratt Blvd,
Longmont, CO 80501
Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Big Air - $13, Little Air - $9
Dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume and the park's atmosphere is calmer. One parent or guardian can support jumpers on the trampoline for free. Siblings of jumpers are welcome to jump for the same price but should be more careful during this time.
*A Special Time Just For You is not available during blackout dates or holidays.
Chuck E Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays
1st Sunday of every month
9:00 - 11:00
Select Chuck E Cheese locations below will be open 2 hours early on the first Sunday of every month, specifically for children with autism and other special needs.
* Reduced lighting and noise
* Food and games offered
* Trained and caring staff
COLORADO SPRINGS
2925 GEYSER DRIVE
FT COLLINS
105 W PROSPECT RD
LITTLETON
7510 PARKWAY DR
SUPERIOR
305 MARSHALL ROAD
CO Springs - SF Storytime Pikes Peak Library District: 21C
2nd Monday of every month
1:30 - 2:00pm
1175 Chapel Hills Dr.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Sensory Story Time
: Interactive story time that is especially welcoming for children on the autism spectrum and families who are looking for a smaller, more adaptive library experience. Call 719.884.9800 x6310 if you have any questions.
Denver Aquarium Low Sensory Morning
2nd Sunday of every month
8:30 - 9:45am
Downtown Aquarium
700 Water St
Denver, CO 80211, USA
Denver Aquarium has started offering a low-sensory morning with our ambient sounds and the flash flood exhibit turned off and lights turned up for a calmer, quieter time for any families that need it. Sounds and lights get turned back on at 9:45am for the regular business day.
The cost is the regular ticket price at our box office.
Adults (12 - 64) are $20.50, Seniors (65+) are $19.50, Children (3-11) are $14.50
2 and under are free
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Resources for Contacting Members of Congress
Find your legislators online:
Call the U.S. Capitol Switch Board to Connect with your legislators office by phone:
(202) 224-3121
A switchboard operator with connect you directly with a legislators office that you request.
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Adoption Data
Using information collected through various monitoring and reporting systems, the Children's Bureau analyzes and reports data on a variety of topics, including adoption, foster care, and child abuse and neglect.
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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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The holidays are right around the corner, meaning so are the meltdowns, temper tantrums, and unrealistic expectations - and that's just from your spouse (just kidding!). Give your kids a chance to succeed. Plan extra time for getting ready for special events. Try not to do things that are outside your children's comfort range. Keep clothing simple (no one is happy in uncomfortable clothing!). Make meals that are fun to eat. Make cookies and don't worry about the mess. Decorate with the kids - and don't redo it after they go to bed. Make the season about the feelings, not the money.
Wishing you peace, love, and no calamities in 2019,
Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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Please Participate: Provide Input on Services Adoptive Families Need
Deborah Cave, COCAF executive director, is currently serving on an Advisory Committee for PSSF (Promoting Safe & Stable Families), a federal program that provides monies for several different communities, including adoptive families.
The PSSF Administrator is currently in the process of evaluating what services are needed by families at PSSF sites across Colorado - some of the sites provide these services, others do not. The Administrator is trying to identify what services are most critical to families in the diverse areas of the state, including the western slope, San Juan & San Luis Valley, the corners of the state, and the front range.
We need participants in these areas to ensure that the needs of our families and our children are identified as completely and thoughtfully as possible. The specific cities/counties include:
Prowers; Montezuma/La Plata/Archuleta; Logan/Morgan/Washington/Yuma; San Luis Valley; Mesa/Montrose/Delta/Garfield; Larimer/Boulder; Weld; Denver; El Paso; and Pueblo.
If you would consider participating in this study, or you know an adoptive parent living in these areas, please contact Deborah at Deborah.cave@cocaf.org, or 720.299.1210 - we have a tight timeline on this, so please respond as quickly as possible. Thanks so much for considering this!
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Every Child Deserves a Family
On November 19, the Trump administration's proposed rule that would revoke nondiscrimination regulations in HHS-funded grant programs based on sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity was published in the Federal Register, starting a 30-day comment period. The rule impacts foster and adoption programs, as well as any other HHS-funded grant programs. Nonenforcement of the nondiscrimination regulations begins immediately.
Every Child Deserves a Family Campaign has documented the impact of the rule, which can be found here.
Please read this report, and
provide your comments
on this rule to ensure every child has the opportunity to find great foster and/or adoptive parents.
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Holiday Events
Nov 22-Jan 20 Free Ice Skating at Denver International Airport Plaza. 8500 Peña Blvd, Denver. Skate rental is free too! Short-term parking is $6/hour. The rink is outside the terminal, so you do not need to go through airport security. 9am-9pm every day. For more information call 303-342-2521 or click here.
Dec 1 Westminster Holiday Lighting Ceremony (5:30-8:30pm). Experience the magical wonderland of lights, holiday music, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa! Click here for more information.
Dec 3 Aurora Holiday Tree Lighting (5pm-7pm) Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season as we celebrate the lighting of our holiday lights at the Aurora Municipal Center! This event is FREE and requires no pre-registration or tickets. No dogs allowed. Click here for more information.
Dec 6 & Dec 7 (5:30-8:30pm) Lakewood Lights. Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S Yarrow St, Lakewood. Hot cocoa and cookies, free photos with Santa, and free hay wagon rides. Click here for more information.
Dec 6 (8:00 p.m.) & Dec 7 (6:00 p.m.) Downtown Denver 9NEWS Parade of Lights. Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver. This FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and a special appearance by Santa! Click here for more information.
Dec 6 (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) & Dec 7 (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) Littleton Colorado Christmas Adventure. Mission Hills Church, 620 Southpark Dr, Littleton. Gingerbread house competitions, live music, activities for kids, Christmas light display, food trucks, and more! Click here for more information.
Dec 6 Golden Candlelight Walk (6:30pm) The Candlelight Walk will take place outside Foothills Art Center on 15th and Washington in Golden. Candles will be available for sale along Washington Avenue as you walk up the hill to gather for the Walk, $1.00 each. Click here for more information.
Dec 7 Wheat Ridge Holiday Celebration (3-6:30pm) Gather on the Green on Ridge (7101 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge) to be a part of the tree lighting ceremony. Crafts for the kids, free hot cocoa and cookies, free horse drawn carriage rides, food vendors, artisans, live holiday performances, carolers, and holiday festivities. Click here for more information.
Dec 13 (12pm-4pm) Four Mile Historic Park free day. 715 S Forest St, Denver. Click here for more information.
Dec 13 (5-8:30pm) Nerd Out Night: A Star Wars Holiday Special. Pop Culture Classroom, 2760 W 5th Ave, Denver. FREE. The holidays are upon us, which means it's time to bust out the holiday classic: The Star Wars Christmas Special! Come enjoy a special screening of the movie and participate in Star Wars themed holiday crafts. Click here for more information.
Dec 13 (6:30-9:00 p.m.), Sat Dec 14 (10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.), Sun Dec 15 (5:00-9:00 p.m.) Thornton Winterfest. 11000 Colorado Blvd, Thornton. Santa's Village lighting ceremony, ice skating pond, tree decorating contest, Holiday Marketplace, and a grand finale fireworks show! Click here for more information.
Dec 14 (9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.) Kids at Heart Pancakes with Santa, Heart of the Rockies Church, Fort Collins
Dec 21-22 (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) All I Want For Christmas Holiday Gift Sale. 7390 West Hampden Avenue, Lakewood. Find all of your holiday gifts at this 2-day holiday sale. 40+ vendors offering a wide variety of items to choose from. Free admission, activities for kids, and raffles. Click here for more information.
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Tools to Support Adoptive Families & Professionals
For Families:
For Professionals:
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Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
LEAP is a statewide program that provides financial assistance for heating bills. LEAP is accepting applications now through April 30, 2020.
Applications requested by calling 1-899-HEAT-HELP (432-8435) or clicking here.
Both homeowners and renters with at least one legally present household member are eligible to apply for LEAP. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- You pay home heating costs to an energy provider, fuel dealer, or as part of your rent.
- You are a permanent legal resident of the United States and Colorado or you have household members that are U.S. citizens and you provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
- Your maximum family household income falls within the guidelines given.
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Utility & Tax Resources
The
Crisis Intervention Program provides help with repairing or replacing a home's primary heating system, such as a furnace or wood-burning stove.
The Denver Property Tax Relief Program provides a partial refund of property taxes or rent for Denver for couples, individuals, and families who meet the program criteria. See website for eligibility guidelines.
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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
Facilitated by Lisa Firle, MA., LPCC
Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Road, Boulder.
Parents of Children with PTSD
First Friday of the month, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
464 Inca St, Denver, CO 80204
$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 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 14th & Skeel, Brighton, CO RSVP to Elaine Riedl at 303-912-8337.
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 & Kinship Support Group
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Aurora Mental Health Center, Viewpoint Office, Lotus Room
11059 E Bethany Dr., 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
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. 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
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Aurora Mental Health
11059 E Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO 80014
Contact Sheila Reynolds 303-525-2123 or Stephanie Seriff 303-856-7698 for more information
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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