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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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Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
September 10, 2019
6:00 p.m.
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2019 TBRI®: Caregiver Training
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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
Greeley
Introduction & Overview
Friday
September 6, 2019
Connecting Principles
Friday
September 6, 2019
Empowering Principles
Friday
September 13, 2019
Correcting Principles
Friday
September 27, 2019
Introduction & Overview
Friday
October 4, 2019
Connecting Principles
Friday
October 4, 2019
Empowering Principles
Friday
October 11, 2019
Correcting Principles
Friday
October 18, 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
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WEBINARS
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Transition: Grade to Grade
Wednesday
September 4, 2019
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Advocating for Trauma-Informed Strategies for our Children at School
Tuesday
September 10, 2019
10:00 a.m.
FREE
Key Components of Positive Behavior
Tuesday
September 10, 2019
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Brain Hacks to Improve Focus, Memory, and Emotional Development
Thursday
September 19, 2019
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Strategies to Help Children with ADHD Thrive Academically and Socially
Thursday
September 19, 2019
11:00 a.m. - Noon
The Promise of Adolescence: Realizing Opportunity for All Youth
Tuesday
September 24, 2019
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Bonding, Boundaries, & Battles: Finding the Balance of Attachment-Focused Discipline in Adoption
Friday
September 27, 2019
Noon-1:30 p.m.
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| CONFERENCES |
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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.
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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:
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Tuesday, August 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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School is back in session for our children, so now is a perfect time to educate yourself. Check out the list of webinars and classroom classes (see the left side of the newsletter) that might help you survive parenthood!
Wishing you peace, love, and no calamities in 2019,
Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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Teen Adoptee Group
Using "The Adoption Self-Reflection Journal" as a guide, adopted teens will have the opportunity to explore their roots, identities, relationships, and more as they learn from and connect with one another in a safe, understanding, and inclusive space.
For: Adopted Teens in 7th-11th Grades
When: Tuesdays, Sept. 10th - Nov. 12th 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Where: 8801 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 200, Denver, CO 80231
Enrollment closes this Friday, Aug. 30th!
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Could your Child Have FASD?
Do you ever wonder if your child was exposed to alcohol prenatally or your child has FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder)? Symptoms of prenatal alcohol exposure are listed in the chart below.
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Public Transportation Training
Article Subtitle
Travel Training is the perfect place to address your concerns about trying, or maybe retrying, public transportation. Via & RTD Travel Trainers understand the reality of public transportation for people with I/DD, and they have been helping people learn about it for years. They also offer free individual travel training, during which travel trainers work one-on-one with a trainee for as long as it takes to insure safe, independent travel. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members and caregivers are welcome to attend this intro Travel Training.
When: Thursday, September 12,
10 AM-12:30 PM
Where:
The Arc - JCCG office: 13949 W Colfax Ave, Bldg 1, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80401
*Lunch will be included
1. Presentation starts at 10:00 AM
2. Next, we board an out-of-service RTD bus reserved just for our group, and we go through the same steps that riders take on in-service buses.
3. We will ride the bus to a Light Rail station, where we board and travel by Light Rail.
4. Lastly, we ride by bus back to The Arc for lunch starting between 12:00 and 12:30 PM.
5. All along the way you can get answers to your questions from the expert at RTD.
Space is limited. Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 10. Please e-mail valerie@arcjc.org or call (303) 232-1338 to RSVP.
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Unregulated Custody Transfer of Adopted Children
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway
An unregulated custody transfer, often referred to as rehoming, is the practice of adoptive parents transferring custody of a child to another individual or family without the involvement of the child welfare or other appropriate systems. Families seeking to rehome their children find alternative placements for them through informal, unregulated means-often through online groups and forums. The transfers can be executed through a power-of-attorney or notarized statement without the oversight of government authorities or the child welfare system. Additionally, these unregulated custody transfers lack criminal background checks or clearances of the child's new caretaker(s).
The unregulated custody transfer of children may violate State-specific, Federal, and/or international laws, depending on if the child was adopted through private, public, or intercountry adoption and if the child was placed across State or jurisdictional lines. Even in cases where the practice does not violate the law, all rehomed children are at greater risk for child abuse, neglect, and exploitation due to the additional trauma caused by the disruption to their home life and the lack of placement oversight. Addressing this issue requires the child welfare system to invest in stronger postadoption services and supports so that families do not turn to such harmful and risky practices. These services include better mental health services and treatments for children who are recovering from past traumas, as well as supports for parents to help them better care for and understand their adopted children.
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FASD: Virtual Parent Support Group
Illuminate Colorado has started a new parent support group for parents and caregivers of children with symptoms of prenatal alcohol exposure or FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder). The group meets virtually but not in person. The meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. To get the unique video link or call in code each month, contact
amichaelsboffy@illuminatecolorado.org.
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Online Message Board for Parents of FASD Children
A parent of a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder has created an online message board for parents and caregivers of children with symptoms of prenatal alcohol exposure.
To join, go to
https://groups.io/g/FASDColorado. This group includes access to a list of resources parents may find helpful for children with prenatal alcohol exposure, including diagnosis, treatment, and support.
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Job Openings at The Adoption Exchange
Do you love working with children and families? The Adoption Exchange is hiring a Care Provider to care for children in their homes and in support group settings.
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Louisiana Extends Foster Care to Age 21
Louisiana has extended their foster care program to cover children until they are 21. Providing a safe and stable family for those 18 to 21-year-olds helps adolescents at a critical time when they are transitioning into adulthood. Click here to read more.
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Daebak Kpop Party Benefitting Korean Heritage Camp
Saturday, September 14, 2019, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
The Cube at Stapleton, Denver, CO
Connect with Denver-area families who attend Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families, and celebrate Korean music, food, and culture at this fun, family-friendly event!
Whether your child is a huge Kpop fan, or are new to Kpop, they're sure to have a great time!
Innaseoul Entertainment, KonnectPop, and Dae Gee have teamed up to bring you a Daebak (Awesome) Kpop Party with:
- Performances by Grazy Grace, Dan aka Dan, and Lee Ka Si!
- VIP Dance workshop by I Love Dance!
- Kpop dance covers by local dance crews!
- Random Kpop dance party!
- Korean food and drinks by Dae Gee!
Art from the Heart
Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
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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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