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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
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Empowered to Connect Simulcast
Friday & Saturday
April 5 & 6, 2019
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Ken Caryl Church
8395 W Ken Caryl Ave
Littleton, CO 80128
Call 303.973.1700 to register.
Kinship Care:
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Fridays
April 5 - May 10, 2019
9:30 a.m. - noon
Louisville Recreation & Senior Center
900 Via Apia Way
Louisville, CO 80027
Trauma-Informed Care & Trauma-Sensitive Interventions
Thursday
April 11, 2019
9:00 a.m. - noon
Redeemer Lutheran Church
3300 W Nevada Place
Denver, CO 80219
FREE
Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development
Friday
April 12, 2019
Noon-2:30 p.m.
Blue Sky Bridge
2617 Iris Hollow Pl
Boulder, CO
Problematic Sexualized Behaviors: Advanced Interventions
Thursday
April 18, 2019
Denver Police Department District 1
1311 W 46th Ave
Denver, CO 80211
Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development
Monday
May 6, 2019
4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Blue Sky Bridge
2617 Iris Hollow Pl
Boulder, CO
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2019 TBRI® Caregiver Training
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TBRI® Intro & Overview
Full Day
May 1, 2019
September 18, 2019
November 13, 2019
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Connecting Principles
Addressing Attachment Needs
May 3, 2019
September 20, 2019
November 15, 2019
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Empowering Principles
Addressing Physical Needs
May 10, 2019
September 27, 2019
November 22, 2019
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Correcting Principles
Addressing Fear-Based Behaviors
May 17, 2019
October , 2019
December 6, 2019
PAGOSA SPRINGS
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Intro & Overview - A TBRI® Primer
April 16, 2019
8:30 a.m.
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Connecting Principles
Addressing Attachment Needs
April 16, 2019
11:30 a.m.
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Empowering Principles
Addressing Physical Needs
April 17, 2019
11:30 a.m.
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Correcting Principles
Addressing Fear-Based Behaviors
April 18, 2019
9:00 a.m.
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WEBINARS
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Effective Facilitation of Parent Support Groups
Available on YouTube
Free
Lifting Up Youth Voices to Promote Permanency for Older Youth
Colorado Health Insurance Buy-In (HIBI)
Wednesday
April 17, 2019
10:00 a.m.
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TRAINING FOR THERAPISTS
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Animal Assisted Therapy Programs
3-Day Intensives
April 13-15, 2019
July 13-14, 2019
October 26-28, 2019
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| CONFERENCES |
8th Annual Strengthening Families Summit
Monday
April 1, 2019
Concord, NH
Click here for more info.
Wrightslaw Conference: Effective Advocating for Your Child
Northern Colorado
Thursday
April 25, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 4:30
Preregistration required.
Click here for more info.
2019 National Children of Incarcerated Parent Conference
Arizona State University Center for Child Well-Being
Sunday - Wednesday
April 14-17, 2019
Phoenix, AZ
Click here for more info.
26th Annual National Foster Care Conference
Wednesday - Friday
May 15-17, 2019
St. Petersburg, FL
National Autism Conference
Tuesday - Wednesday
June 11 - 12, 2019
Cleveland, Ohio
NACAC 2019 Conference
July 17-20, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
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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:
Shazam!
Tuesday, April 9
Dumbo
Saturday, April 13
Hellboy
Tuesday, April 23
Missing Link
Saturday, April 27
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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
Sunday, October 7 (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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Challenges for prospective adoptive parents continue as the Trump administration allows for blatant discrimination against those of different religions or those who identify as LGBTQ. But some states are stepping forward. Michigan passed a law to ensure that any adoption agency that takes money from the state cannot discriminate. COCAF applauds this action and hopes that all states take the steps necessary to ensure all qualified prospective parents, no matter what their religion, gender, or sexual orientation, are allowed to adopt.
Wishing you peace, love, and no calamities in 2019,
Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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Child Trends Introduces New State-by-State Child Welfare Data
Child Trends has released a new tool that offers browsers a robust collection of data on adoption, foster care, kinship care, and child for all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. The figures are drawn from the 2017 Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) report, the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources. All the information is compared to national data.
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Being Prepared for Transracial Adoption
From the Child Welfare Adoption Triad
Transracial adoption adds a layer of complexity to a family. Parents who make the choice to enter into a transracial adoption must be willing to make necessary changes to create an emotionally and psychologically safe environment that is culturally appropriate and responsive for the children.
These resources recommended by the Child Welfare Adoption Triad may be helpful:
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Heritage Summer Camps
Heritage Summer Camps give you and your adoptive children learn more about their birth heritage.
Registration starts in February, so check your camp information to see your registration start date.
African/Caribbean June 6-9
Regis University, Denver, CO
Chinese Camp I
August 30-September 2
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
Chinese Camp II
July 18-21
Regis University, Denver, CO
Domestic Adoption
June 27-30
Regis University, Denver, CO
Indian/Nepalese
July 11-14
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
Korean
June 13-16
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
Latin American
June 20-23
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian
July 25-28
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander
August 1-4
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, CO
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Outdoor Adventure Camp
Outdoor Adventure Camp, a 6-week specialized day camp serving kids ages 6-11 with mental health, and social and emotional diagnoses. Scholarships are available and the camp accepts CCAP. The camp provides a wonderfully supportive environment in that kids are in groups of 7-8 with the same counselors for the whole summer while they engage in a variety of activities including swimming, rock climbing, canoeing, arts and crafts, fishing and field trips.
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Spark Club
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Summer Camps
Royal Family Kids' Camps:
Every foster or kinship child, ages 6-12, can experience a 5-day overnight camp for free. Your children may also be eligible to participate in a year-round mentoring club. Registration begins in March!
Arvada: Arvada Covenant Church - Camp #005-June 24-28
5555 Ward Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Camp Directors: Will & Mikki LeVett, Phone: (303) 422-1235
Boulder: Camp for Change - Camp #261-July 29-August 2
7100 S Boulder Road, Boulder, CO 80303
Camp Director: Jan Timm, Phone: (303) 322-4067
Littleton: Waterstone Community Church - Camp #234-June 17-21
5890 S Alkire Street, Littleton, CO 80127
Camp Director: Scott Selin, Phone: (720) 984-9095
Parker: Southeast Christian Church - Camp #272-June 3-7
9650 Jordan Road, Parker, CO 80134
Camp Director: Kim Webb, Phone: (303) 841-9292
Windsor/Weld County: Timberline Church - Camp #334-June 25-30
360 Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO 80550
Camp Director: Katie Dunphy, Phone: (970) 689-6166
CITY OF AURORA SUMMER CAMPS:
There are no "formal" scholarships, but any family can apply for financial assistance by calling 303-326-8650
Denver Center for the Performing Arts Child and Teen Theatre
Programs
For eager students as young as three to high schoolers taking the first step towards a theatre career, our classes fuel creativity and reinforce the tools to help all skill levels improve and develop their craft. For DCPA child and teen classes, click here. For scholarship information, click here.
Classes are located at the DCPA: 13th and Arapahoe St, Denver
303-893-4000
School of the Poetic City Summer Camps in Five Points, Denver
The School of the Poetic City Summer Camps promote the having of wonderful ideas through contemporary art practices, exploration of the city, and art making. They are intentionally mixed-age, for children 5 to 15 years old.
There are limited scholarships available for each session. Please inquire.
Urban Art Camp: June 10-14
Animation Lab: June 17-21
Animation Master Class: June 24-28
The Art Garage in Park Hill, Denver
The Art Garage is a not for profit that offers high-quality art education classes, workshops and summer classes taught by local practicing artists for kids, teens and adults. Students are able to explore creative art materials, learn and demonstrate art techniques and design original artwork. Students learn fundamental art elements, art vocabulary, artistic styles, famous artists and much more! We also have teen workshops, private lessons and classes specific to toddlers (Toddler and Me!). All of our instructors are professional artists or art educators with extensive experience working with children and youth.
Summer programs, click here.
The Art Garage, 6100 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
303-377-2353
Metropolitan State University STEM Camp in Denver
Have the opportunity to explore fun applications of math and science in an exciting, hands-on, team-oriented atmosphere on the Auraria Campus (777 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80204). Daily attendance is required. This is a two-week, half-day program, with the exception of the last day, which will be an all-day exploration of physics at
Elitch Gardens
! Session topics include Microbiology, 3D printing, Design Thinking, Water Environment, Rocket Science, Chemistry, Meteorology, Game Design, and Engineering. Students will be provided lunch each day and all activities are supervised.
4 Sessions:
June 3rd-14th
June 17th-28th
July 8th-19th
July 15th-26th
Each session is $400, but there are need-based scholarships available. Call 303-615-0293 or email ssi@msudenver.edu for more information.
To register, click here.
Denver Film Society's Young Filmmakers Workshops
Developed for teens aged 12-18, the Denver Film Society's Young Filmmakers Workshops (YFW) furnish their participants with opportunities to learn the art of cinema, collaborate with other young filmmakers, refine their work with industry professionals and exhibit their films in public premieres.
For two weeks during the summer, courses run weekdays from June 11 - August 3, 8:30am-2:30pm. YFW is hosted at multiple locations, including the Denver School of the Arts, CEC Early College, and the Colorado Film School. All workshops are $850 for two-weeks (less than $15 per hour for professional film education and training!), $450 for one week.
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE
. Early bird registration runs through March 9.
Lighthouse Young Writers Workshop in City Park West, Denver
Lighthouse's Young Writers Workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing. There are no grades here, just the stories. We offer workshops at Lighthouse including afterschool and weekend workshops, the Young Authors Collective, and summer camps, as well as youth outreach in schools, at juvenile residential treatment centers, and in collaboration with other arts organizations. See image below for Summer 2019 workshops.
Scholarships:
Click "register" for any class or camp and look for the link on the next page that says "Get Financial Assistance."
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EVENTS
A Night of Celebration: Connecting Community
A fundraiser for Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
History Colorado Center
1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Individual tickets $115
Reserved tables of 10 for $1,150
Join the Heritage Camp staff for a festive evening of flavorful food, unique cultural entertainment, and silent and live auctions.
If you can't attend, you can still buy a raffle tickets to support the camp of your choice.
There are two different raffles:
New Orleans Getaway Package:
Enjoy a luxurious getaway to "The Big Easy" during any time of the year - no date restrictions! Package includes $500 voucher on Southwest Airlines, $600 voucher to JW Marriott New Orleans, $200 gift card to the renowned Restaurant R'evolution, $100 to GW Fins for their jazz brunch or any meal you'd like. Valued at $1,400.
Camp package OR Amazon gift card:
Win camp fees for a family of four, plus $150 voucher towards accommodation at camp! Valued at up to $692. Or you can choose a $400 Amazon gift card.
$25 per raffle ticket - Buy Now
Clays for Kids
A fundraiser for the Denver Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC)
Friday, May 3, 2019
Clays for Kids, a sporting clays tournament, will be hosted at the beautiful Colorado Clays Shooting Park in Brighton, Colorado. In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this event is designed to bring sporting enthusiasts together to spread awareness about DCAC's mission to serve child victims of abuse, neglect, and violence.
This year, DCAC is hosting Clays for Kids three days after April to avoid the risk of snowstorms and take advantage of the warmer weather. It will include a 15-station clay shooting tournament and a fully catered BBQ lunch. To learn more about Clays for Kids or to register, please click here.
Champions for Children Golf Classic
Wednesday, June 19 & 20, 2019
Sanctuary Golf Course
7549 Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, CO 80135
The 28th Annual Champions for Children Golf Tournament will be held at the exclusive and picturesque Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, CO on June 20, 2019. The event will provide a full day on the greens and an inspirational experience at the CELEBRATE dinner on June 19, 2019, including a live and silent auction, and much more. All net proceeds from this premium charity event will help The Adoption Exchange change the future for children in foster care.
More info coming soon.
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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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