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Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
In This Issue
Smile & Donate!
Sensory Friendly Events
Members of Congress
Adoption Data
Asylum-Seeking Children Belong with their Parents
What Educators Should Know About Adoption
Teen Adoptee Group
What Do YOU Need?
Every Child Deserves a Family Act
Foster Youth to Independence
VFA Adoptive Family Portrait Project
School Supplies -- All Zip Codes
Adams 12 Five Star Schools Free School Supplies
Aurora School Supplies
Denver School Supplies
Jeffco School Supplies
EVENTS
Support Groups

Help COCAF

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CLASSROOM



2019 TBRI®: Caregiver Training
TBRI® Intro & Overview
Evening
September 18, 2019
November 13, 2019


TBRI® Caregiver Training 
Connecting Principles
Addressing Attachment Needs
September 20, 2019
November 15, 2019

TBRI® Caregiver Training 
Empowering Principles
Addressing Physical Needs
September 27, 2019
November 22, 2019

TBRI® Caregiver Training 
Correcting Principles
Addressing Fear-Based Behaviors
October , 2019
December 6, 2019


Granby
Introduction & Overview
Tuesday
August 6, 2019

Connecting Principles Register
Tuesday
August 6, 2019
 
Empowering Principles
Wednesday
August 7, 2019

Correcting Principles
Thursday
August 8, 2019

Gunnison
 
Introduction & Overview
Monday
August 12, 2019

Connecting Principles
Monday
August 12, 2019

Empowering Principles
Tuesday
August 13, 2019

Correcting Principles
Wednesday
August 14, 2019
 
Cortez
 
Introduction & Overview
Tuesday
August 27, 2019

Connecting Principles
Tuesday
August 27, 2019

Empowering Principles
Wednesday
August 28, 2019
 
Correcting Principles
Thursday
August 29, 2019
 
Kiowa
 
Introduction & Overview
Tuesday
September 10, 2019

Connecting Principles
Tuesday
September 10, 2019
 
Empowering Principles
Tuesday
September 17, 2019
 
Correcting Principles
Tuesday
September 24, 2019
 
Woodland Park

Introduction & Overview
Tuesday
September 24, 2019

WEBINARS

The 7 Core Struggles of Adoption: Supporting Your Teen Through Early Adulthood
Sunday
August 11, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Navigating Relationships in Open Adoption
Available until August 12, 2019

When Connecting is Difficult: Functional Strategies to Strengthen Your Bond
Friday
August 23, 2019
Noon-1:00 p.m.

CONFERENCES



AMC Autism Logo  
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:

Dora and  The Lost City of Gold
Saturday, August 10

Fast & Furious Presents:
Hobbs & Shaw
Tuesday, August 13

Frenemies:
The Angry Birds 2 Movie
Saturday, August 24

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Tuesday, August 27



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?  

 
School has already started for some and will start soon for everyone else - so I hope you have your ducks (and children!) in a row. If you're in need of help with school supplies, see all of the available backpack and school supplies giveaways available in the metro area. 

And it's always a good time to education yourself, so be sure to check out the list of new classes and webinars to help your family thrive.

Wishing you peace, love, and no calamities in 2019,
Colleen Tarket, 
COCAF Board of Directors
Asylum-Seeking Children Belong with their Parents 

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COCAF joins Voice for Adoption (VFA) in condemning the separation of migrant and asylum-seeking children from their families, the detention of these children in unfit facilities, and the placement of any of these children into the foster care/adoption system.

Please click here to read VFA's complete statement on this issue and what you can do to help end this horrific policy.
What Educators Should Know About Adoption 
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway
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For children who were adopted and their parents, school can be a uniquely challenging experience. Since teachers, counselors, school personnel, and peers play a key role in shaping a child's educational and emotional development, their awareness of adoption-related issues is essential to ensuring a better understanding of the specific attitudes and behaviors often exhibited by this population of children and youth and helping create a positive school experience.
Here are some resources to help:

Teen Adoptee Group 

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Using "The Adoption Self-Reflection Journal" as a guide, adopted teens will have the opportunity to explore their roots, identities, relationships & more as they learn from & connect with one another in a safe, understanding & inclusive space.

For: Adopted Teens in 7th-11th Grade
When: Tuesdays 5:15-6:30PM ~ Sept. 10th-Nov. 12th
Where: 8801 E. Hampden Ave, Ste 200, Denver, CO 80231

Click here for more information.
What Do YOU Need? 

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The Adoption Exchange offers a variety of classes and training opportunities for both families and professionals. If there is a topic that would benefit you, please click here to share your thoughts on this brief survey.
 
Every Child Deserves a Family Act 

Check out, share and retweet the Family Equality + FosterClub's new 90 second video with foster advocates and alumni on why we need to pass the Every Child Deserves a Family (ECDF) Act and end discrimination against LGBTQ/Two Spirit foster children and families.   Video on Facebook.
 
Foster Youth to Independence 

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Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) is a new federal initiative to prevent homelessness among youths aging out of foster care. FYI will offer housing vouchers to local public housing authorities to prevent or end homelessness among youths under the age of 25 who are, or have recently left, the foster care system without a home to go to.   Click here to read the full press release.
VFA Adoptive Family Portrait Project 

For the 15th consecutive year Voice for Adoption (VFA) will be providing an extraordinary opportunity for foster care adoptive families across the nation.

The Adoptive Family Portrait Project seeks to inform Members of Congress and their staff about the impact that adoptions have had in many of their constituents' lives, by pairing adoptive families with their Congress member. With your participation, VFA will compose your family story and provide you with a hard-copy publication containing the stories of all participating families. Additionally, Members of Congress will display their paired family's story in their Washington D.C office for the entire month of November, in support of National Adoption Month.

These stories are extremely important to VFA as they help to further educate and advocate for foster care and adoption. Please consider being involved in this incredible experience.  

If you would like to participate in the 2019 Adoptive Family Portrait Project, take the first step and fill out the survey here.   Please respond to the survey by
October 1st, 2019.
School Supplies -- All Zip Codes 


Integrated Family Community Services Project Backpack
3370 S Irving St, Englewood

Open to students from all zip codes. 

To receive school supplies, visit the IFCS office August 6-9, 2019, 8:30-11:30am and 1-3pm. 

Adults: bring a photo ID and a birth certificate or proof of custody (copies are fine) for each child, current proof of address, and current proof of income. For more information, call 303-789-0501.

 
Kenzi's Causes Packz 4 Kids
Saturday, August 10th, doors open at 9am
Denver Coliseum 4600 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216
  • First come, first served! No pre-registration required
  • Children must be present to receive a backpack unless the guardian/caregiver/parent presents a picture ID and a birth certificate for each child unable to attend
Click here for more information.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools Free School Supplies


 
Aurora School Supplies 


 
Denver School Supplies 


 
Jeffco School Supplies 
Free School Supplies for Students in Jefferson County
August 5-10, 2019

Go to The Action Center for more information.
 
EVENTS 
8th Annual Westwood Night Out
Tuesday, August 6, 5-8pm
Westwood Park (4951 W. Kentucky Ave)

The Westwood National Night Out is a free family event to learn about public, private, community and government support services. Enjoy free food, live entertainment, prizes, and a variety of activities. Activities will include rock climbing, land fishing, face painting, and more.

Summer Low Sensory Evening
Saturday, Aug. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Mordecai Children's Garden at York Street 

Experience the Gardens without the crowds. This therapeutic horticulture program is intended to give individuals and families who prefer a quiet, less crowded environment a chance to experience the Gardens with limited attendance. You are invited to explore the Children's Garden on your own or participate in various hands-on activities that will inspire curiosity and awaken your senses.
To register, click here.

Northglenn Magic Festival
Saturday, August 17, 12-9pm
Northglenn Recreation Center and EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11701 Community Center Drive, Northglenn

Enjoy a mind reading performance stage, a Quidditch demonstration, a magician stand-up performance area, street magicians, a children's magic performance tent, and a new "sleigh of hand" tent. Also, enjoy bounce houses, food trucks, a "sorting tent" activity, and booths where you can purchase magic wands and tricks. All outside performances are free!


Art from the Heart
Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
For more information, please click visit www.denvercac.org/events/art-heart-2019.



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

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
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.
 
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
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.

  
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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