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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 |
Beyond Bowlby: Applying the Neurobiology of Attachment to Play Therapy
Friday & Saturday
May 4 & 5, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Parker Branch of Douglas County Libraries
20105 W Main St
Parker, CO 80134
IEP: Create Connections, Understand Resistance, and Clarify Consensus: PEAK 3-Part Series of Trainings
Thursday
May 10, 2018
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Arc of Pueblo
2705 Vinewood Lane
Pueblo, CO 81005
Myths, Mysteries, & Miracles of Kinship Care
Monday
May 21, 2018
6:00 p.m.
Parker Library
20105 Mainstreet
Parker, CO 80134
Dinner provided
RSVP REQUIRED
dcparenting@usa.com
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TBRI® Caregiver Training
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Intro & Overview
May 4, 2018
July 20, 2018
September 21, 2018
November 2, 2018
Connecting Principles - Addressing Attachment Needs
August 3, 2018
Empowering Principles - Addressing Physical Needs
April 20, 2018
October 19, 2018
Correcting Principles - Addressing Fear-Based Behaviors
June 15, 2018
December 7, 2018
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WEBINARS
Core Struggles of Adoptees Throughout the Lifespan: Part 6 Intimacy
Wednesday
May 9, 2018
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Core Struggles of Adoptees Throughout the Lifespan: Part 7 Control
Wednesday
May 16, 2018
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
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| CONFERENCES |
Finding Health: The Intersection of Disability & Nutrition
July 28 & 29, 2018
Double Tree Denver - Aurora
13696 E Iliff Pl
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here for more info.
NACAC Annual Conference
August 7-10, 2018
St Paul, Minnesota
Strengthening Colorado Families & Communities Conference
September 26-28, 2018
Vail Marriot
715 W Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
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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:
Tuesday
May 22
Show Dogs
Saturday
May 26
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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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2018 Heritage Adoption Camps
Heritage Adoption Camps provide your adopted children with an opportunity to learn about the culture of their birth family. Giving your adopted children a true sense of who they are -- from both the birth perspective and from their place in your family -- will give them a better sense of self.
African/Caribbean June 7-10
Denver, CO
Chinese August 31 - Sept 3
Fraser, CO
Chinese II July 19-22
Denver, CO
Domestic Adoption June 28-July 1
Denver, CO
Indian/Nepalese July 5-8
Fraser, CO
Korean June 14-17
Fraser, CO
Latin American June 21-24
Fraser, CO
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian (REECA) July 19-22
Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander (SEAPI)
July 12-15
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Thank you to all of you who took the time to contact your Colorado State Representatives and Senators to ask them to support HB-1094 Child & Youth Mental Health Treatment Act (CYMHTA). This bill is essential to adoptive families with children in need of high levels of psychiatric care.
Your voices count, so please remember that. If you hear of an issue that affects adoptive families, please let us know so we can get the word out. Together we can work to make things better for adoptive families in Colorado.
Enjoy the May showers!
Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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Adoption Assistance
From Information Gateway
According to the most recent
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) for Fiscal Year 2016, 92 percent of children adopted with public agency involvement received an adoption subsidy. Adoption assistance represents a key element of Federal and State policy to promote the adoption of children and youth from foster care and support adoptive families in meeting their needs.
Federal title IV-E or State subsidies aim to compensate adoptive parents for the short and long-term costs of adopting eligible children. Although eligibility criteria vary from State to State, the term "eligible" most frequently refers to children who are school-aged; part of a sibling group; children of color; or those with specific physical, emotional, or developmental needs. Benefits commonly include monthly cash payments, medical assistance, social services, and nonrecurring adoption expenses. The North American Council on Adoptable Children website provides an overview by State of basic adoption assistance rates as well as nonrecurring expenses, residential treatment, and subsidy available after age 18.
Adoption subsides may not be the only type of funding available to families. Information Gateway's section on Grants/Loans/Tax Credits for Adoption highlights other sources of financial assistance.
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Teen & Adult Siblings Support Groups
The Arc has two support groups, one for teens and one for adult siblings of folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The teens talk about whatever teens talk about including high school, home life, friends, sibling relationships - anything. It is a great experience to talk with others who can relate to what it feels like to grow up with a sibling with I/DD.
The adults talk about whatever they want to talk about including, but not limited to caregiving, home life, work/home life balance, supporting parents who are caregiving, having an adult sibling relationship, etc. It is a safe place to come and talk or come and listen.
The groups currently have openings in both groups and welcome new participants. The group is free of charge to participants and facilitated by a licensed therapist. Call Kari Easterly, Advocate Arc of Adams County, at 720-634-6886. You do not have to be receiving services through The Arc to attend these support groups.
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Are You An Adoptive Sibling?
The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development wants to hear your story.
The KP ICD at Texas Christian University is conducting a preliminary research study of adoptive siblings (biological children in a family that later adopted 1 or more children). We are interested in learning about the experience of adoptive siblings' adjustment to their new adopted sibling(s) and new family structure. Specifically, we aim to examine the specific factors that impact adoptive siblings' overall adjustment.
If you are 14 years or older and an adoptive sibling, we are interested in hearing from you! Only one sibling from an adoptive family can participate in the study. Additionally, you are not eligible for participation if you are both an adoptive sibling and now a foster/adoptive parent. Adults, who are not also foster/adoptive parents, are welcome to participate.
Participation involves a 15-25-minute online survey about both your family system and your personal adjustment. After completing the online survey, you can choose to participate in an optional 20-30-minute phone interview, detailing your experience as an adoptive sibling.
Participation is completely voluntary and your relationship with your agency will not be affected in any way. Responses to the online survey will be anonymous.
If you are interested in participating or if you have additional questions, please contact Jana Hunsley, Ph.D. student, at
j.hunsley@tcu.edu
or 817-257-4534.
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IEP Preparation
From disabilityscoop
As parents begin discussing individualized education programs for their children this spring, disability legal experts say a U.S. Supreme Court ruling will set the stage for stronger goals and higher expectations.
But even with the backing of the highest court in the land, parents should still educate themselves and come prepared for a successful meeting, attorneys said.
"Parents should not hesitate to go for a more robust, challenging IEP goal and objective," said Gary Mayerson, a New York City civil rights attorney who specializes in representing people with autism. "They shouldn't be intimidated by the school districts that have been used to repeating goals and objectives over and over again, year after year. That's a classic no-no now."
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Summer Camps & Programs
Heart and Hand Center
Heart & Hand runs 8 weeks of full-day summer programs including academic time, enrichment activities such as swimming and dance, and field trips. This summer program is for kids 3rd-12th grade and is geared to combat summer learning loss. Summer program registration priority will be given to students who enroll in Denver Public Schools Summer Academy. The center is located at 2733 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205. Call 303-295-0292 for more information or click here.
Camp Erin
Free Weekend Grief Camp in Golden
August 17-19, 2018
Camp Erin is a free overnight weekend grief camp for children 6-17 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. The camp is full of fun and high-energy activities combined with grief education and emotional support. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 20. There will also be a meet and greet prior to camp on Saturday, August 4 so that the caregivers and campers can meet staff, volunteers, and each other.
Location: Camp Granite Lake at Coal Creek Canyon
11902 Camp Eden Rd, Golden, CO 80403
Royal Family Kids Camps
Low-Cost Overnight Summer Camp for Kinship Kids 5-12!
Click here for more information on Royal Family Kids Camps.
Every foster or kinship child, ages 6-12, can experience a 5-day overnight camp for a very low fee. Your children may also be eligible to participate in a year-round mentoring club. These camps fill up quickly, so call ASAP!
Arvada: Arvada Covenant Church - Camp #005-June 25-29
5555 Ward Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Camp Directors: Will & Mikki Le Vett, Phone: (303) 422-1235
Englewood/Denver: The Sacred Grace - Camp #066-June 18-22
3220 S Acoma Street, Englewood, CO 80110
Camp Director: Nate Galuzzi, Phone: (303) 422-3777
Littleton: Waterstone Community Church - Camp #234-June 11-15
5890 S. Alkire Street, Littleton, CO 80127
Camp Director: Scott Selin, Phone: (720) 984-9095
Parker: Southeast Christian Church - Camp #272-June 4-8
9650 Jordan Road, Parker, CO 80134
Camp Director: Kim Webb, Phone: (303) 841-9292
Windsor/Weld County: Timberline Church - Camp #334-June 18-22
360 Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO 80550
Camp Directors: Darell Hailey, Phone: (970) 482-4387
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Discounted Amazon Prime
If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, you can now get Amazon Prime for a discounted price of $5.99/month.
With Amazon Prime, you get tw
o-hour delivery of household essentials, free 2-
day delivery on other items, and the Amazon Prime movie streaming service. For more information,
click here.
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Kinship Program
Kinship families looking for support groups or wanting to sign up for the Catholic Charities kinship newsletter may contact:
Tray Dubray, MSW Kinship Case Worker
Catholic Charities, 4045 Pecos St., Denver, Co 80211
(303) 742-0823 ext. 2072
(303) 742-4373 fax
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Super Star Summer Camp 2018
Super Star Summer Camp 2018 helps to b
uild literacy and math skills, self-esteem and confidence for students who want summer support, struggle, or have dyslexia.
This summer program created
specifically to build and improve skills in reading and spelling, with additional support in writing and math. This camp is designed for students entering 1st to 9th grade who are identified with dyslexia or who otherwise struggle with reading, spelling, writing, and math.
Camps will be offered at two locations.
Camp supervisors meet with each child individually pre-camp to determine grouping.
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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
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
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. 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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