Logo
Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   




Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
In This Issue
Smile & Donate!
Members of Congress
Adoption Data
Raising Children from Hard Places
IEPs during the Pandemic
Child Welfare COVID Website
Talking with Children and Youth about Adoption
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.
ONLINE
CLASSROOM

Helping Kids with Trauma Histories Get Through their School Day
Click here for more info.

Identity Matters: Becoming a Multi-Racial Family
Click here for more info.

Supporting Adoptive and Foster Families in the Time of COVID-19
Use coupon code COVID at checkout now through August 31 to get FREE 48-hour access
Click here for more info.

Privilege, Racism, & Oppression 101
5 Part Series
Tuesdays

Understanding the Lingo & System
September 1, 2020
Recognizing

Microaggressions
September 8, 2020

How to Respond to your Child after Negative Racial Incidents
September 15, 2020

S.H.A.R.E.D. Responses to Racism
September 22, 2020

Racial Mirrors, Maslow's Hierarchy & the Cultural Iceberg
September 29, 2020
Noon

Virtual TRBI® Caregiver Training: Correcting Principles
Thursday
September 3, 2020
9:00 a.m.

Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
September 8, 2020
6:00 p.m.

Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Safety for Teachers & School Personnel
Wednesday
September 9, 2020
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Another Star in the Constellation: Supporting Siblings Living in Adoptive Homes
Thursday
September 17, 2020
Noon

On the Fence of Independence: Financial Planning for a Child with Special Needs
Wednesday
September 23, 2020
7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
October 13, 2020
6:00 p.m.

Virtual TRBI® Caregiver Training



CONFERENCES



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. 
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.

FREE RESOURCES
Looking for books or movies about adoption?  Or how to deal with school-related adoption issues?  
 
No one needs to tell you that 2020 has been a challenging year. We have a pandemic, financial instability, people of color being shot by police and civilians, hurricanes...the list is just growing with every passing day.
 
What can YOU do about all of this? Find a way to help. Maybe you can help a neighbor by tutoring their child. Maybe you can write letters to your local, state, and federal representatives demanding that they put policies in place that protect people of color. Maybe you donate food to a food bank. Maybe you can go grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor. There are as many ways to help as there are to people to help. So, stop and think of all the ways you can help someone else, and do it. The more kindness we spread, the better the world will be.
 
Stay home, stay safe, stay healthy!

Colleen Tarket, 
COCAF Board of Directors
Raising Children from Hard Places 

dads-son-swing.jpg
Thursday, September 17, 2020 
9:00 a.m.- Noon
OR 
2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Due to the pandemic, the Relatives Raising Children Conference, normally held at the Adams County Government Center in Brighton, will take place online via a series of free Zoom trainings. If you don't use Zoom, please register anyway! One of the organizers will personally contact you to make sure you are able to participate. The first training will be on Thursday, September 17. Brooks Kaskela will present an overview of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), an evidence-based caregiving model that provides insights and tools for use in giving kids from hard places what they need through connecting, meeting sensory and environmental needs, and correcting behaviors. Through this overview of TBRI®, you will learn about brain development in children and trauma's effects on emotional health throughout the lifespan. You will also learn strategies for connecting to and empowering your child on the path to long-term growth.
 
Click here to go to the morning session. 

Click here to go to the afternoon session. 

Identical information will be presented at both sessions, so there is no need to register for both. This training is geared for caregivers, and we will not be eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CECs).

 
IEPs during the Pandemic 

books-apple-icon2.jpg
As we all try to navigate the world under pandemic conditions, we still need to make sure that our children with IEPs are getting the services they need to be successful - especially in the stressful world of remote learning. Click here to go to a disabilityscoop article on how to make sure your child gets the support they need under their IEP.
Child Welfare COVID Website 

Inscription COVID-19 on blue background. World Health Organization WHO introduced new official name for Coronavirus disease named COVID-19
COVID-19 is threatening the safety and wellbeing of our nation's most vulnerable children in many ways. The Child Welfare COVID website (childwelfarecovid.org) is an undertaking of non-governmental organizations who seek to gather and share information and news related to the COVID-19 epidemic to inform advocacy efforts and decision making by policy makers during this crisis. Click here to go to the website.
Talking with Children and Youth about Adoption 
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway

hispanic_trekking.jpg
Child development is typified by a series of central tensions between independence and reliance on caregivers. Younger children rely on caregivers for safety while they establish emotional regulation and self-management skills. Older youth grow their independence and autonomy, but still need social and emotional support. These developmental processes are particularly complicated for children and youth in the child welfare system.

Children and youth in out-of-home care have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) at higher rates than the general population. They have had to address the pain from ACEs while experiencing continued instability and without the presence of consistent caregivers or ecological systems that facilitate development. For these reasons, children and youth may not fully recognize the value of and need for permanent, supportive relationships. They may also be initially resistant to conversations about permanency because of their trauma, fear, rejection, grief and loss, loyalty to their birth family, or a preference to live independently. Child welfare professionals can help children and youth increase their openness to various permanency options and recognize how adoption or guardianship provide them with support and stability.

Children and youth never outgrow the need for family. It is essential that child welfare professionals continue to discuss permanency options with children and youth in order to help them explore their understanding of family and the ways in which positive relationships can support their transition to adulthood. The Belonging Matters-Helping Youth Explore Permanency bulletin explores the questions, concerns, and feelings that may cause youth to avoid legal or relational permanency.

Three resources for talking with children/youth about permanency options:

EVENTS 

Heritage Camps Virtual Night of Celebration

Saturday, September 19, 2020
5:30 pm MST -  Pre-Show
6:00-7:00 pm MST - Main Event
Free

Celebrate their 29th year of supporting adoptees of all age and their families.  It's an exciting evening of unique cultural entertainment, your favorite emcee, and the Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families community!  Click here for more information.

Heritage Camps 3rd Annual Golf Tournament

Monday, September 21, 2020


Clays for Kids - A Fundraiser for the Denver Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC)

Friday, October 2, 2020 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Colorado Clays Shooting Park
13600 Lanewood St, Brighton, CO 80603
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.
For more info or to register: cathy@bvchristian.org

Zoom support group for parents of adoptees ages 18-30
Second Monday of the month; 10-11 am
Please email for reservation and minimal paperwork (and any questions);
$10 per person per meeting. Scholarships are available!


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
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.
 
Zoom support group for parents of adoptees ages 18-30
First Monday of the month; 10-11 am
Please email for reservation and minimal paperwork (and any questions);
$10 per person per meeting. Scholarships are available!


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, CO 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.  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
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