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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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For the Love of My Special Child: Estate Planning for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Wednesday
February 5, 2020
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sheridan Public Library
3425 W Oxford Ave.
Denver, CO 80236
Call 720-529-9800 to register.
Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
February 11, 2020
6:00 p.m.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers - Grandfamilies
Late February - March
Tuesdays
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Space is limited
Free
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Wednesday
March 25, 2020
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1100 Main St
Windsor, CO 80550
Click here for more info.
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2019 TBRI®: Caregiver Training
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TBRI® Introduction and Overview
Feb 7, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Firestone)
May 1, 2020 9 am- 11 am (Greeley)
Jul 17, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Firestone)
Oct 9, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Greeley)
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TBRI® Connecting Principles*
Feb 7, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Firestone)
May 1, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Greeley)
Jul 17, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Firestone)
Oct 9, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Greeley)
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TBRI® Empowering Principles*
Feb 7, 2020 9am - 11am
(Greenwood Village)
Feb 21, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
May 8, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
Jul 24, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
Oct 16, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
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TBRI® Correcting Principles*
Feb 7, 2020 9am-4pm (Ft Collins)
Feb 21, 2020 9am - 11am
(Greenwood Village)
Feb 28, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
May 15, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
Jul 31, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
Oct 23, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
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* TBRI® Introduction and Overview is a prerequisite.
Training Locations:
Greeley - Weld County Training Center: 1104 H St, Greeley, CO 80631
Firestone - Weld County Southwest Service Center: 4209 County Rd 24 1/2, Longmont, CO 80504
Lunch & childcare will not be provided.
A 60 min lunch break will be offered.
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WEBINARS
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MNAdopt Webinar: Strategies to Support Positive Racial Identity Development in Transracial Adoption
Friday
January 31, 2020
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Child Decoded: Let's Look Under the Labels to Address the Needs!
Friday,
January 31, 2020
Noon
Developing Cultural Consciousness in our Adoption Work: Tips for Professionals from Parents
Thursday
February 13, 2020
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Bringing Race into the Room: Understanding & Supporting Racial Attachment Needs with Transracially Adoptive Families
Thursday
February 20, 2020
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
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.
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| CONFERENCES |
NACAC 2020
August 27 - August 29, 2020
Toronto, Ontario
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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:
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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
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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Ah, February, the month of love! Take a moment to tell those you love exactly how you feel about them. We sometimes take for granted that "they know I love them." Don't assume your loved ones know exactly how you feel - tell them! Even if they do know, everyone loves to hear that they are loved. Make your feelings known!
Wishing you peace, love, and less stress in 2020,
Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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Helping Your Adopted Children Maintain Important Relationships with Family
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway
Supporting connections between adopted children and their birth families is in the best interests of the child, but it requires a strong commitment from both the adoptive and birth families.
Click here to read the factsheet from the Child Welfare Information Gateway.
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SSDI Proposed Change
A proposed change to federal disability assistance would result in millions more case reviews, likely cutting off many recipients with disabilities if the changes are enacted. Public comments on the
proposal are due January 31, 2020.
Those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income or both already face a lengthy and complex application process that can take years to complete. After approved, recipients are currently subjected to continuing disability reviews. Under this new proposal, a new review category would exist, forcing reviews every 2 years.
Not only will these reviews put undue burden on the recipients, but it will undoubtedly cause some disabled to lose their benefits because of errors in the review process.
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Neurodiverse Girl Scout Troop
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Adoption Discrimination
A new rule proposed by the current administration would allow federal dollars to be used to discriminate against marginalized groups in adoption. To review this proposed rule and to see how to respond, click here.
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Free Low Sensory Mornings at the History Colorado Center
The History Colorado Center has designated three Saturdays throughout 2020 to offer a Low Sensory visit to the museum. The museum will be closed to the general public, attendance limited, and sounds in exhibits turned down.
Low Sensory Morning dates are April 11, June 13, and September 12, 2020.
To make a reservation, contact the Reservations Coordinator with questions and to RSVP at reservations@state.co.us or 303-866-2394.
The Museum is located at 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80203. Explore the museum's
website by clicking here.
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Heritage Camps Registration Dates
Camps with registration opening on February 3:
A
frican/Caribbean Heritage Camp -- June 11-14, Regis University, Denver, CO
Korean Heritage Camp -- June 18 - 21, 2020, Snow Mountain Ranch, Fraser, CO
Latin American Heritage Camp -- June 25 - 28, 2020, Snow Mountain Ranch, Fraser, CO
Camps with registration opening on February 10:
Domestic Adoption Camp -- July 16 - 19, Regis University, Denver, CO
Indian/Nepalese Heritage Camp -- July 9 - 12, Snow Mountain Ranch, Fraser, CO
Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Camp -- July 16 - 19, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Camps with registration opening on February 17:
Chinese Heritage Camp II
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July 30 - August 2, Regis University, Denver, CO
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian Heritage Camp -- July 23 - 26, Snow Mountain Ranch, Fraser, CO
Camps with registration opening on March 5:
Chinese Heritage Camp -- September 4-7, Snow Mountain Ranch, Fraser, CO
Visit Heritage Camp's website for more information on camp fees, locations, and programming. Register early to avoid a late fee!
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Club Spark Programs for Children with Autism or Development Disabilities
Club Spark club sessions are community-based day programs that build social skills, community safety skills, and supports academic goals during school spring, summer, and winter breaks. Each child works with an ABA trained technician and is working on social and life skill goals from a current treatment plan created for your child based on your goals and information provided to us at intake.
Dates: Spring Club 2020: Monday, March 23rd-Friday, March 27th
Summer Club 2020:
Session 1: Monday, June 1st-Friday, June 26th
Session 2: Monday, July 13th-Friday, August 7th
Location: 265 South Harlan Street, Lakewood
Club Spark accepts Medicaid Waivers and some insurance plans. The registration fee for clients is $65. Siblings are allowed to accompany clients for $40 a day with a $25 registration fee. Children with special needs will typically be served first.
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Avid4 Adventure Summer Camps
These days, a lot of kids grow up surrounded by screens. At Avid4 Adventure summer camps in Colorado, we introduce kids to the power of the outdoors. Their mission is to empower kids of all ages and skill levels to choose active, outdoor lifestyles. Activities include biking, canoeing, skateboarding, climbing, hiking, and more.
Date: Varies based on the camp desired. Overnight and day camps.
Location: All over the Denver metro area.
Ages: Pre K through 12th grade
Scholarships: The application will be released February 1, 2020. Financial assistance can cover between 25%-100% of camp tuition. A separate application is required for each child.
SCHOLARSHIPS FILL UP VERY QUICKLY. APPLY ASAP!
General information: 720-759-2242
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Summer Camp Scholarships
Scholarship slots will be available for most camps and open for registration on Tuesday, February 4 by phone only.
To find out if you qualify, call Guest Services at 303-370-6000, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and answer a few short questions. You may qualify to save 50% or even 100% on camp fees for one week of camp per child.
Summer camps run June 8 - August 7, including the week of July 4th.
Full-day Camps, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Half-day Camps, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or
1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
FULL-DAY SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS GOING INTO GRADES K - 6
Summer Day Camps get brains and bodies moving! Learn and play as we experiment, create, build, ask questions, and develop a knowledge of and passion for science. Our camps are led by experienced educators, with assistance from trained teen volunteers, offering the best opportunity for fun and learning.
SUMMER HALF-DAYS FOR AGES 4 & 5
Tiny budding scientists enjoy fun, engaging experiences led by Museum educators that will open their eyes and minds to the amazing world around them.
Choose morning or afternoon: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
EARLY AND LATE CARE
Limited early and late care slots are available each week. Early morning check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. and late check-out is available until 5:00 p.m. Add early check-in or late check-out for $45 each for the whole week!
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Royal Family Kids' Camps
Every foster or kinship child, ages 6-12, can experience a 5-day overnight camp for free through
Royal Family Kids' Camps. Your children may also be eligible to participate in a year-round mentoring club. Drop-off and pick-up are at the organizing church listed below, but the actual location of each camp varies. Registration begins in March!
Arvada: Arvada Covenant Church - Camp #005-June 22-26
5555 Ward Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Boulder: Camp for Change - Camp #261-August 10-14
7100 S Boulder Road, Boulder, CO 80303
Camp Director: Jan Timm, (303) 322-4067
Also in Boulder, for teens ages 12-15: Teen Reach Girls Camp - July 10-12 and Teen Reach Boys Camp - July 17-19.
http://campforchange.org/
Colorado Springs: New Life Church - Camp #274-June 1-5
11025 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Fort Collins: Timberline Church - Camp #335-June 8-12
2908 S Timberline Rd, Ft. Collins, CO 80525
Littleton: Waterstone Community Church - Camp #234-June 1-5
5890 S Alkire Street, Littleton, CO 80127
Parker: Southeast Christian Church - Camp #272-June 3-7
9650 Jordan Road, Parker, CO 80134
Windsor/Weld County: Timberline Church - Camp #334-June 15-19
360 Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO 80550
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Events
Extravaganza 2020
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
25690 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016
Learn about science, backyard chickens, beekeeping, crafting, 4-H, and more. Admission is free. Click here for more information.
Celebrating National African American Heritage
Sunday, February 23, 2020, 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Parker Arts Culture & Events Center,
20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker.
No tickets required.
Adoption Zine Workshop
Saturday, March 7, 2020,
2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Boulder Public Library, Downtown, Corner of Arapahoe Ave. and Canyon Blvd.
Workshop:
Create a single-page, comic book zine based on stories related to adoption. Showcase your handmade art in the teen exhibit directly to follow the program.
Description of Exhibit:
This exhibit will feature a six-part zine by Melisande Osnes entitled
Love Locks
that tells the story of two sisters exploring various issues associated with African American hair. Through adoption, two sisters braid together a part of their shared story through the need to care for and style the younger sister's hair.
Schedule:
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Create a zine based on stories related to adoption
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Art opening/informal discussion with the attendees about the zine art process, etc., and reception.
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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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