|
|
|
|
|
DONATE Today! |
Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families. |
|
Classroom Training
|
The Language of Adoption: The Comfort of Chaos
Saturday
May 4, 2013
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
8 W Dry Creek Circle, Ste 120
Littleton, CO 80120
Click here for more info.
Trauma, Grief, & PTSD Saturday May 4, 2013 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Emmanuel Baptist Church 300 Ballpark Rd Sterling, CO 80751 Click here for more info.
Trauma Informed Parenting
Tuesday
May 7, 2013
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Colorado Community Church
2220 S Chambers Road
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here for more info.
Healing Ourselves to Heal our Children
Tuesday
May 7, 2013
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
County Commons Building
Mt Royal Room
0037 Peak One Dr
Frisco, CO 80443
Click here for more info.
Sensory Processing Disorder
Tuesday
May 14, 2013
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Adams County DHS
7401 Broadway
Denver, CO 80221
Click here for more info.
Bipolar Success Workshops
Thursdays
May 16, 23, & 30, 2013
Byers Branch Denver Public Library
675 Santa Fe Dr
Denver, CO
Click here for more info.
We Are the Tools of Our Trade: How the Therapist's Own Attachment Patterns Shape Therapy
Saturday
May 18, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Courtyard Denver Cherry Creek
1475 S Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80222
Click here for more info.
Preventing Abusive Behavior in Childhood & Beyond Saturday May 18, 2013 9:00 a.m. - Noon Christ Community Church 1301 15th Street Greeley, CO RSVP by May 10 Click here for more info. Public Insurance 101: Medicaid & CHP+ Wednesday May 22, 1013 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Autism Society of Colorado 550 S Wadsworth Blvd 1st Floor Conf Room Contact Kim Tenure at 720-214-0794 X15 or by email at [email protected] to register. Bipolar Success!Part 1 Wednesday June 5, 2013 Part 2 Wednesday June 12, 2013 Part 3 Wednesday June 19, 2013 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Highlands Ranch Public Library 9292 Ridgeline Blvd Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Click here for more info. Surviving & Thriving A Free Family Wellness Event Saturday June 8, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Community Life Center 220 N Grant Ave Ft Collins, CO Click here for more info.
Integrating Animals Into Your Professional Practice
Saturday June 8, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Barking CAAT Ranch 1255 Lee St Lakewood, CO 8215 Click here for more info.
|
|
CONFERENCES
|
Families Supporting Adoption Annual Conference
Saturday
May 11, 2013
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
LDS Church
Aurora, CO
Click here for more info.
CAFCA Annual Conference
Friday
July 19, 2013
The Pines at Genesee
More info to come.
|
|
Webcasts
| |
These webinars have been receorded and are available 24X7
Adoption Tax Credit: A Guide for State Advocates
Click here for more info.
Child Welfare and the Affordable Care Act
Click here for more info.
Successful Stepfamily Living
Click here for more info.
Improving the Economic Security of Children in Foster Care & Young People Who Are Transitioning out of Care
|
|
Webinars
|
Engaging Students Who are At Risk Through Instruction To Address Gaps in Academic Skills and Accelerate Learning
Thursday
May 2, 2013
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Supporting Youth in Transition: Importance of Caseworker Visits Tuesday May 7, 2013 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Making Birth Country Connections through Homeland Tours Thursday May 16, 2013 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Parenting Children Who Have Been Prenatally Exposed Tuesday May 21, 2013 6:00 p.m. Click here for more info.
Understanding the Acting-Out Behavior of Your Adopted Children Tuesday June 18, 2013 6:00 p.m. Click here for more info.
Helping Children Heal from Trauma: What Parents & Caregivers Need to Know Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00 p.m. Click here for more info.
|
|
AMETZ Adoption Training Institute
|
To register for any of these webinars, click here.
For more info, call
212-558-9949.
Bio-Psychological Approach to Emotional and Behavioral Regulation in Children
Wednesday
May 8, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Ethical Challenges in Adoption Practice
Wednesday
June 6, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
|
|
Parent-Child Adoption Activity Group
|
For children 5-10 and their parents 7210 E Orchard Rd, 4th Floor Conf Room Centennial, CO 80111 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Your Adoption Story
June 6, 2013 The Faces of Family June 13, 2013 Family Trees June 20, 2013 "W.I.S.E.R" Responses June 27, 2013
|
|
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.
June 1, 2013
10:00 a.m.
Epic (2-D)
Click here for more info.
| |
|
|
2013
SUMMER CAMPS | |
Heritage Camps
Click here for more information on any Heritage Camp.
Korean
June 13-16
African Caribbean
June 20-23
Latin American
June 27-30
Indian Nepalese
July 11-14
Cambodian
July 18-21
Vietnamese
July 18-21
Domestic Adoption
July 25-28
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian (REECA)
July 25-28
Chinese II
August 1-4
Filipino
August 1-4
Chinese
August 30-Sept 2 |
|
|
Greetings!
April was a month of surprises, both good and bad. While it's very easy to focus on the bad (the violence in Boston), take a long look at the good that shines through at such times. From the people who help wounded, to the outpouring of love and support from around the world, the good significantly outweighed the bad. But for those who were directly affected by this violence - those who were wounded or lost loved ones - they will need a lot of support for a long, long time; maybe even for the rest of their lives. And unfortunately, "the world" won't be there, because as a collective, we have a short attention span.
Now think about this scenario in terms of our children. They suffered great trauma (the loss of their birth families and potentially many other traumas). Then they received a lot of attention and love (the honeymoon stage of the adoption). Time passed, and we moved into the "back to normal" routine of everyday living. But our children may not have the skills to live a routine life; they, like the Boston victims, may need more support for the rest of their lives, and as their parents, it is our responsibility to provide this support. So the next time your child is demanding a little more attention, stop and pay attention. Let the goodness shine through.
May spring showers bring May flowers!!!
Deborah Cave, COCAF Executive Director and Board President
[email protected]
|
College Scholarships for Youth Adopted from Foster Care
 Education is an important part of life. In baseball terms, it gives you a healthy lead as you round the bases. UMPS CARE Charities partnered with The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) and Slate XP to offer the UMPS CARE Charities All-Star Scholarship. The UMPS CARE Charities All-Star Scholarship is for children adopted from foster care, in order to help provide a college education to students who otherwise might not be able to afford one. All-Star Scholarships are open to children adopted from U.S. foster care at the age of 12 years or older to provide increased opportunities for advanced education. Scholarship funding will provide for $5,000 scholarships for a two-year institution -OR- $10,000 scholarships for a four-year institution. The application deadline is May 17, 2013. To access the application, click here. |
| |
College Financial Aid
From Voice for Adoption
 Voice for Adoption (VFA) developed a list of potential financial aid opportunities for college-bound foster and adoptive youth. Click here to go to the list. Please note that the eligibility criterion varies. Some of the resources pertain to adopted youth while others are targeted toward youth who emancipated from foster care. |
| |
Summer Resource Fair
From The International Dyslexia Association - Rocky Mountain Branch
Attend this FREE open-house style event offered by the International Dyslexia Association - Rocky Mountain Branch, to meet service providers (tutors, testers, psychologists); learn of organizations providing summer support programs; and find tools (e.g. games & books) to support the learning process. |
| |
Camp To Belong Summer Camp
Camp To Belong Summer Camp was created to offer siblings in foster care and other out of home care the opportunity to create lifetime memories while reunited at camp. Those brothers and sisters may not have the opportunity to read bedtime stories together at night, have breakfast together, cheer for each other at school functions or share precious holidays - all the things that typical siblings get to do every day. Siblings are often taken for granted. Yet, the sibling relationship can be our longest relationship in life. This summer camp program reunites brothers and sisters in a safe, neutral, week-long camp environment to create childhood memories together that they would not have otherwise due to living in separate homes. Each summer camp program provides intentional programming designed to strengthen sibling connection through signature programs, including art activities, sibling enhancement, life seminar, and the birthday party event. |
| |
Join a Focus Group!
From the Colorado Post-Adoption Resource Center (COPARC)
The Colorado Post-Adoption Resource Center (COPARC) is hosting a focus group on post-adoption support groups and mentoring. Their goal is to identify what they can do to help cultivate post-adoption support groups and mentoring programs in Colorado. COPARC is looking for input from adoptive parents, support group leaders, and other community members who have ideas, experience, or an interest in mentoring and support groups. For more information, contact Shelly Linenberger at 303-870-9976 or by email at [email protected]. Complete an adoption support group survey for a chance to win a gift certificate! |
| |
|
Researchers Seek Input on Adoption Issues
Researchers at two universities are asking members of the adoption community to complete surveys to help assess families' needs and characteristics. Adoptive, foster, and kinship parents: Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are conducting a survey regarding the needs of adoptive, foster, and kinship care families. The goal is to learn what contributes to positive outcomes for children, youth, and families. The survey is open to parents from across North America, and the researchers want to hear from as many families as possible-both those who are experiencing challenges as well as those who are not. Click here to complete the survey.
People who were adopted transracially: Lehigh University is asking for input from individuals who identify as a member of a racial minority group, have been transracially adopted by white parents or a single white parent, currently live in North America, and are 18 years of age or older. The study is designed to explore the life experiences and well-being of racial minority individuals who have been transracially adopted by white parents. The researchers' goal is to contribute to the understanding of the experiences of adopted persons raised by parents with different racial backgrounds and experiences from their own. Click here to complete the survey.
|
| |
Family Foster Care Reimbursement Rates 2012
Click here to read this 2012 study done by Child Trends, showing the 2012 foster care reimbursement rates by state. Colorado rates are among the lower paying states, but complete information was not provided for the study.
|
| |
Supported Living Services
From the Colorado Department of Human Services
Those of you with adult children needing independent-living assistance need to know about State funded Supported Living Services (SLS). SLS are used to supplement already available supports for adults who either can live independently with limited supports or, if they need extensive support, are principally supported from other sources, such as the family. State Supported Living Services provide a variety of services, such as personal care (like eating, bathing and dressing) or homemaking needs, employment or other day type services, accessing his or her community, help with decision-making, assistive technology, home modification, professional therapies, transportation, and twenty-four emergency assistance. Supported Living Services are not intended to meet all needs. Service needs and the level of support are prioritized within the overall Individualized Plan (IP). The person receiving services is responsible for his or her living arrangements which can include living with family or in their own place. Up to three persons receiving services can live together. The person receiving services cannot require 24-hour supervision paid for only by SLS. |
| |
Landmark Settlement
A landmark settlement in an adoption-related case in Adams County may help keep the focus on giving potential adoptive families all the information they need to make an informed decision before adopting. Click here to read the Denver Post story. |
| |
Guide for Pediatricians
From Voice for Adoption
In partnership with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Jockey Being Family, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed materials for pediatricians on how to support adoptive and foster families by strengthening the abilities of pediatricians to identify traumatized children, educate families about toxic stress, and empower families to respond to their child's behavior in a manner that acknowledges past trauma and promotes the learning of new, more adaptive reactions to stress. Coding tips for pediatricians and discharge and referral summary forms for families also accompany the guide. For more information, click here. |
| |
Working With Birth and Adoptive Families to Support Open Adoption
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway
The Working With Birth and Adoptive Families to Support Open Adoption brief is intended to help professionals guide birth and adoptive families who are contemplating open adoption or who are already having post-adoption contact. Click here to read the brief. |
| |
|
FMLA and Adoption
Did you know that the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can help you bond with your adopted children? You may take FMLA leave for the placement of a child for adoption or foster care and to bond with that child. Men and women have the same right to take FMLA leave to bond with their child, but it must be taken within one year of the child's placement and must be taken as a continuous block of leave unless the employer agrees to allow intermittent leave (for example, a part-time schedule). Not all employees are eligible for FLMA, but the US Department of Labor has an easy to understand guide that you can use to determine your eligibility. Click here to download the guide in English.Click here to download the guide in Spanish. In addition to FLMA, Colorado makes it easier for you to stay involved in your children's education under the Parental Involvement in K-12 Education Act. Specifically, employers with at least 50 employees must provide unpaid leave for non-supervisory workers to attend parent-teacher conferences and other activities for the educational progress of their children. - The law exempts businesses in which such leave could endanger the health and safety of others.
- Leave is limited to six hours a month and 18 hours per academic school year, and may be taken in three (or less) hour increments.
Click here to read more about Colorado's employment laws. |
| |
|
Apps for Kids with Reading Problems
www.eReadingbook.com provides iPhone and iPad applications (apps) specifically for children with reading issues. These affordable apps (free to $1.99) help children read using professional narrators, illustrations that provide contextual clues, easy to read fonts, and on-screen menus.
|
| |
Events
Meet the Animals
Open House & Silent Auction to benefit Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado
Saturday May 4, 2013, noon -3:00 p.m.
Barking C.A.A.T. Ranch
1255 Lee Street
Lakewood, CO 80215
Food and beverages will be provided, as well as tours and entertainment for the kids. Wear your boots and meet our sanctuary ranch horses, goats, dogs, cats, and rats and help raise money to provide counseling for needy children and families!
Fathers Supporting Fathers
Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 6:30p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
CP of Colorado/Vanguard Classical School
801 Yosemite St., Denver, CO 80230
If you are a father/male caregiver of a child with a disability (infant, toddler, preschooler, school aged, adult child, or a child that has passed away), we invite you to come share and be supported by other fathers/male caregivers in a safe environment. Food will be provided. Please RSVP by May 6th. Childcare will not be provided. Click here for more information.
The Never Alone Foundation 1st Annual Music Festival Saturday, June 1, 2013 Grant Amphitheater, Clement Park, Littleton, CO More information to follow. |
| |
|
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 a couple of support groups that might be helpful.
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
Click here for more information.
Aurora Mental Health
Adoption Support Group
2nd & 4th Mondays of the month
Aurora Mental Health
11059 E Bethany Drive
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here for more information.
The Be The Change Challenge
(For parents of challenging children)
2nd Tuesday of each month
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
ACL Boulder, 5744 North 71st Street, Longmont, Colorado 80503
Call 630-841-0458
Click here for more info.
EMPOWER Colorado Adams County Rainbow Center
2140 E 88th Ave,
Thornton, CO 80229
3rd Thursday of each month
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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 [email protected]
NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group for Adults
ADMHN Building, 3rd floor
5500 S. Sycamore St, Littleton, CO 80120
Wednesdays
7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Carol
303-790-1055
NAMI Family Support Group Teleconference
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
of each month
Contact: [email protected]
Positive Outcomes Comprehensive Post-Adoption Services
Parent Support Group
7853 E Arapahoe Ct #1400, Centennial, CO 80112
Call 303-721-6966 for more information.
www.postadoptservices.org
Louisville Parent Support Group
Second Tuesday of the month
(10/9, 11/13, 12/11)
7:00 - 8:30
Art Underground,
901 Front Street,
Louisville, CO 80027
$25 per session; reservations required.
Call 720-352-1743 or mail your payment to
Parent Support Group,
608 Main St, Louisville, CO 80027
Adoptive Parent Support Group
Wednesdays
March 6 - April 24, 2013
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
8 W Dry Creek Circle, Suite 120, Littleton, CO 80120
Cost $40 per session or $295 for 8 weeks
Contact Dr. Wirta at 303-522-3184 to enroll.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
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 [email protected]. 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
|
|
|
