| |
|
|
|
Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
|
| 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
|
Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
OCtober 8, 2019
6:00 p.m.
|
2019 TBRI®: Caregiver Training
|
TBRI® Intro & Overview
Evening
November 13, 2019
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Connecting Principles
Addressing Attachment Needs
November 15, 2019
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Empowering Principles
Addressing Physical Needs
October 4, 2019
November 22, 2019
TBRI® Caregiver Training
Correcting Principles
Addressing Fear-Based Behaviors
October 11, 2019
December 6, 2019
Greeley
Introduction & Overview
Friday
October 4, 2019
Connecting Principles
Friday
October 4, 2019
Empowering Principles
Friday
October 11, 2019
Correcting Principles
Friday
October 18, 2019
Frisco
Introduction & Overview
Monday
October 7, 2019
Connecting Principles
Monday
October 7, 2019
Empowering Principles
Tuesday
October 8, 2019
Correcting Principles
Wednesday
October 9, 2019
Canon City
Introduction & Overview
Tuesday
November 5, 2019
Connecting Principles
Tuesday
November 5, 2019
Empowering Principles
Thursday
November 7, 2019
Correcting Principles
Friday
November 8, 2019
|
|
WEBINARS
|
Bonding, Boundaries, & Battles: Finding the Balance of Attachment-Focused Discipline in Adoption
Friday
September 27, 2019
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Register by Sept 28, 2019
Click here for more info.
One Parent's Journey Through Child Welfare
Thursday
October 10, 2019
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Cultivating Racial Awareness for Transracial Adoptive Families
Thursday
October 17, 2019
Click here for more info.
Unpacking the "No" of Older Youth Adoption
Thursday
November 21, 2019
Click here for more info.
Helping Kids with Trauma Histories Get Through Their School Days
Thursday
December 5, 2019
Click here for more info.
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.
|
| CONFERENCES |
|
Reading in the Rockies
Friday & Saturday
October 4 & 5, 2019
Vail, CO
Kids' Adoption Network (KAN) Conference
Saturday
November 16, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
McLean School
8224 Lochinver Lane
Potomac, MD 20854
More info to come.
|
|
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:
Abominable
Saturday, Sept 28
Joker
Tuesday, October 8
Abominable
Saturday, October 12
Zombieland 2: Double Tap
Tuesday, October 22
The Addams Family Halloween
Saturday, October 26
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
|
Words. Sometimes we forget how powerful words are. We also forget that when we tell our children something negative, that is more likely to stay with them for a long, long time - much longer than the positive things we say. Which is why I remember my father telling me that he chose my mother, and just got stuck with me. And I remember my mother telling me my rear end was big enough for her to use as a shelf. Both comments were made when my parents were frustrated with me (and I readily admit that I could be a very frustrating child), but the comments have stayed with me for, well, a lifetime. My parents are gone, but those comments still haunt me.
So, stop and think, no matter how frustrated you are. You can voice your concerns in a way to provides your child with direction without hurting their feelings. For example, my father could have said, "I love both you and your mother, and in this case, I think your mother is right." And my mother could have said, "I want the best for you, and I am concerned that your weight gain is going to adversely affect your health." There's no way to know for sure, but I'm pretty sure I would not have remembered those responses even a month later. I wouldn't have been happy with the responses in the moment, but they would have fallen out of my memories like a million other conversations.
So, stop, and think. Very few issues need you to respond that second with whatever thought is currently fighting its way out of your mouth. Stop and think, because every child can benefit from a kind redirection.
Wishing you peace, love, and no calamities in 2019,
Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
|
Families Considering Foster Care and Adoption
Making the decision to foster or adopt is easier when you are supported by valuable information.
|
|
|
Resources for Children with FASD
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) denotes a constellation of symptoms affecting the physical and cognitive development of children exposed to alcohol in utero. Although facial anomalies are the symptom most frequently associated with FASD, other challenges may include speech impediments, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and delayed emotional development.
Early identification and treatment of FASD are essential, but it is often challenging to diagnose due to a lack of information about maternal alcohol use during pregnancy. Without proper diagnosis, it can be difficult to fully understand a child's delays and behaviors. This can make it challenging for adoptive parents to provide their children with the services they need.
Despite these barriers, there are several steps that adoptive parents can take to support their child. These steps begin with obtaining a comprehensive evaluation by a professional specializing in prenatal alcohol exposure and seeking appropriate early intervention services. This is particularly true for children and youth adopted from foster care.
Children and youth with FASD are less likely to be raised by their biological parents, resulting in higher rates of FASD in the foster care population. The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome reports that approximately 70 percent of children involved with the child welfare system have been prenatally exposed to alcohol. It is therefore extremely important that child welfare professionals, foster parents, and adoptive parents understand the symptoms and effective interventions designed to address FASD.
Below, find resources to support adoptive parents in understanding FASD, as well as strategies to support children with FASD throughout the lifespan:
|
|
|
Future Plan for Your I/DD Child
Future planning is creating a guide for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) to lead a good life as independently as possible. Planning for the future-after a parent or caregiver is no longer able to provide support-is important and possible for all families.
The Arc's Center for Future Planning offers free resources to help self-advocates, families, professionals and others tackle all aspects of future planning, including housing, finances, employment, support services and more.
As you start to think about what a plan might look like or how you can help others plan, we encourage you to explore the following resources:
When you're ready to start building a plan, use The Arc's free tool, which will guide you through each step of the process.
|
|
|
PEP FREE Conferences
Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conferences are designed for parents and professionals of children with disabilities, aged birth to 21.
Decades of research show that the participation of families in their child's education, through specific coordinating between home and school, results in improved outcomes (Jeynes, 2012). PEP Conferences are designed to promote family and school partnerships that are essential in supporting students with disabilities and their families in schools and the community.
PEP brings parents and professionals together by sharing ideas, discussing concerns, celebrating successes and obtaining information related to parenting, educating and partnering to support student learning. PEP Conferences are offered at no cost to attendees.
2019 - 2020 PEP Dates:
1.
October 10 - 12, 2019 - Fort Collins, CO
2.
January 23 - 25, 2020 - Colorado Springs, CO
3.
April 2 - 4, 2020 - Grand Junction, CO
To learn more about PEP Conferences and to register, click here. Please note there is limited space for professionals.
If you have additional questions, please contact Joyce Thiessen-Barrett at (303) 866-6757.
|
|
|
National Adoption Month 2019 Website
From the Children's Bureau
The
National Adoption Month 2019 website is now live and full of outreach tools and resources to help professionals and families support the initiative this November. The website, presented by the Children's Bureau in collaboration with
Child Welfare Information Gateway and
AdoptUSKids, features ways to engage youth and their perspectives as well as how to achieve better permanency options for them.
Visit the
website today and get ready for National Adoption Month 2019! Stay connected and subscribe to National Adoption Month updates! #NationalAdoptionMonth #NAM2019
|
|
|
Special Ed Rule to Go into Effect
from disabilityscoop
The Trump administration is giving up on its long-running effort to delay an Obama-era rule designed to keep certain students from being wrongly placed in special education.
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion late last week to dismiss its appeal of a federal lawsuit over the "Equity in IDEA" regulations.
The administration had been fighting a March ruling from U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan in Washington, D.C. ordering what's known as the "significant disproportionality" rule to take effect immediately. Chutkan found that the Department of Education acted in an "arbitrary and capricious" manner in delaying the rule.
|
|
|
Disability Entrepreneurship
The National Center for Disability Entrepreneurship (NCDE) at The Viscardi Center is an extraordinary resource that educates and transforms innovative self-starters to achieve self-employment success.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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.
|
 |
|
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
|
|
|
