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DONATE Today!
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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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Classes for KIDS
Self-Esteem Group
Ages: 12-15 Learn & utilize skills that build self-esteem Wednesdays Jan. 28 - March 4, 2015
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
7828 Vance Dr Arvada, CO 80003
To register call Amanda Ciminelli at 303.432.5722.
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Classroom Training
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2015 Educational Series for Adoptive, and Kinship Parenting
The Nurtured Heart Approach
Thursdays
February 5,12,19, & 26, 2015
6:00-8:00 pm
803 3rd Avenue
Longmont CO
Food and childcare provided
RSVP required: Suzanne Daniels 303-441-1533 or [email protected]
Family Wellness Event
Saturday
February 7, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Timberline Church
2908 South Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO
Click here for more info.
Problematic Sexualized Behaviors in Children Monday February 9, 2015 9:00 a.m. to noon United Way 711 Park Avenue West Room 113
Denver, CO 80205 Click here for more info. The Language of Adoption: Overcoming the Challenges of Older Child Adoptions Thursday February 12, 2015 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Southglenn Library 6972 S Vine St Centennial, CO 80122 Click here for more info. Adoptcare Network Training - Advanced February 27, 2015 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Greeley CO Click here for more info.
Parent-Child Adoption Activity Group Saturday March 7, 2015 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Southglenn Library 6972 S Vine St Centennial, CO 80122 Register by Feb 27, 2015 Click here for more info.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Tuesday & Wednesday March 17-18, 2015 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mental Health America of Colorado 1385 S Colorado Blvd Ste 611 Denver, Colorado 80222 Class is FREE but you must register. Click here for more info.
Families by Design: From Sinking Ship to Ship Shape March 28, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Island Grove Event Center Conf Rooms B & C 425 N 15th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Click here for more info.
Child-Parent Therapy Coaching Thursdays April 2-30 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Beyond Words Office 7950 S Lincoln St #111-E Littleton, CO 80122 Register by March 13 Click here for more info.
Transracial Adoption Bootcamp: From Colorblind to Color Brave Saturday April 18, 2015 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Southglenn Library 6972 S Vine St Centennial, CO 80122 Register by March 31 Click here for more info.
Family Wellness Event Saturday April 18, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Timberline Church 2908 South Timberline Road Fort Collins, CO Click here for more info.
Family Wellness Event Saturday October 3, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Timberline Church 2908 South Timberline Road Fort Collins, CO Click here for more info.
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Webinars
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Advocating for Adoption Assistance
(aka Adoption Subsidy)
Monday
February 2, 2014
1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
FREE
Click here for more info.
What Prospective Parents and Adoptive Families Should Know about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD)
Thursday
February 19, 2015
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Coupon code FASD101
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| Conferences | |
Conference on Inclusion Education
Thursday & Friday
February 12-13, 2015
Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center
7800 E Tufts Ave
Denver CO 80237
Click here for more info.
COPARC's Spotlight Conference:
The Adoption Journey:
No One Travels Alone
Saturday
May 9, 2015
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Inverness Hotel
Englewood, CO
Click here for more info.
Adoption Support and Preservation (ASAP) National Conference Sunday - Tuesday May 31 - June 2, 2015 Sheraton Music City Hotel
777 McGavock Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
Click here for more info. 46th Annual Autism Society National Conference July 8 - 11, 2015 Denver, CO Click here for more info.
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Webcasts
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These webinars have been recorded and are available 24X7
Supporting Youth in Transition: The Importance of Case Worker Visits
Click here to for more info.
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.
Improving the Economic Security of Children in Foster Care & Young People Who Are Transitioning out of Care
Privatization of Child Welfare Services: A Guide for State Advocates
Click here to download.
Collaborating with Kinship Caregivers Curriculum and TA
Click here to download.
Finding What Works: Helping Young Adults Transition into Adulthood
Click here to download.
The Uninterrupted Scholars Act: How Do Recent Changes to FERPA Help Child Welfare Agencies Get Access to School Records?
Improving the Economic Security of Children in Foster Care and Young People Who Are Transitioning from Foster Care
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FREE AFP Online Classes
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These classes are available free to families who have adopted internationally or privately. To get your online training code and instructions for accessing your free training class, contact Michelle Betsch at [email protected] or
303-829-4296.
Conspicuous Families
Discipline and the Adopted Child: Ain't Misbehavin'
Finding the Missing Pieces
The Journey Of Attachment Tough Starts: Brain Development Matters |
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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.
February 14
Spongebob Squarepants: Sponge Out of Water
March 28
Home
April 18
Underdogs
May 30
Tomorrowland
June 27
Inside Out
July 18
Minions
Sept 26
Hotel Transylvania
Oct 17
The Jungle Book
Nov 14
The Peanuts Movie
Dec 5
The Good Dinosaur
Click here for more info. | |
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Do you remember when you first became a parent? Do you remember after your first really, really bad day as a parent, you thought, "I only have to make it until they're 18...".
My oldest is 40, and the one thing that really still amazes me is how much that doesn't matter to me. I am still "mom," complete with sleepless nights when things are not going to way I think they should...or when my 21 year old with RAD issues asks to move back in.
Being a parent is a forever job. So remember that, and during the month of February - the month of love - give YOURSELF a little love, because you have to make it for the long haul!
Lots of love to all the parents out there!
K. Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board of Directors
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COCAF Fundraiser with the Colorado Mammoth! GAME INFORMATION: Colorado Mammoth vs. Toronto Rock Friday, March 6th, 2015 @ 7:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 pm Pepsi Center Ticket Prices: Lower End- $25 Ticket ($10 of every ticket sold in the Lower End through this offer will go back to COCAF) Upper End- $10 Ticket ($3 of every ticket sold in the Upper End through this offer will go back to COCAF) CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS! There are NO taxes or fees through this discounted ticket offer. Tickets are limited and subject to availability. There are no refunds. This offer is not available at the Pepsi Center Box Office. |
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Question of the Month
This will be a new monthly article answering a question that COCAF has received that we think many of you would like to know the answer to. If you have a question you'd like answered, please send your question to [email protected]. All questions will be answered anonymously.
Question of the month: Can a child with disabilities adopted from another country be eligible for adoption assistance payments (a subsidy)?
Answer: In order for a child to receive adoption assistance when adopted through a private agency adoption, that child must be certified as Title IV-E eligible prior to the adoption. Children who are adopted from outside the US do not have the capacity to become Title IV-E eligible unless they are also eligible for Social Security Income (SSI).
Unfortunately, you would have to apply for SSI for the child after you adopted him/her and that would make him/her ineligible because your income would be too high. It would also make him/her ineligible for adoption assistance as it must be determined prior to finalization of the adoption (and you can't apply for SSI until after the adoption). You still should be able to access services for your child from your local school district and the Division of Developmental Disabilities. |
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For Parents of Children from China
Parents of children adopted from China are invited to participate in a study about the sleep challenges your children face. Cara Spencer, PhD (c) FNP-BC, an adoptive mom of two girls, and PhD candidate in Nursing at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Utah, is conducting this study. Click here to read more information about the study.
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Support Group for Your Adopted Child
Would your adopted child benefit from a support group? A new group for adopted youth begins on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, for 6 weeks (concluding on Wednesday, April 8, 2015). Each session will be 90 minutes and will be held at 363 S. Harlan Street, Suite 200 Lakewood, 80226. This group will be open to youth in any stage of the adoption process (pre and post finalization), ages 6 and older. For more information, contact Emily Frank at 303.217.5850 or by email at [email protected] or Emily Balch at 303.217.5837 or by email at [email protected].
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Young Adults & Health Care
 Young adults in every state who have aged out of the foster care system are now eligible for Medicaid under a new provision of the Affordable Care Act. This little-known clause of the Affordable Care Act went into effect this January across the country. Young adults will now be insured until their 26th birthday - just like their peers who are permitted to stay on their parents' health insurance until the same age. |
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Speak Up for Kids
 If you care about Colorado kids and want to speak up more effectively for their interests with policy makers and others, we have the event for you! On Wednesday March 18, 2015, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., we're supporting Colorado Children's Campaign, Children's Hospital Colorado, and Clayton Early Learning to offer Speak Up for Kids, an opportunity to understand the latest issues in early childhood policy-making, acquire new advocacy skills and talk to lawmakers to ensure Colorado's youngest children are at the forefront of their minds as they draft, debate, and vote on policy. Held at the Denver Art Museum and the Colorado State Capitol, Speak Up for Kids is a unique opportunity to learn, hands-on, about the policy-making process. To register for this free event, click here. |
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CDHS Launches Child Abuse Hotline
 The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) launched a new statewide child abuse and neglect hotline - 1-844-CO-4-KIDS on Jan. 1. Governor Hickenlooper's Child Welfare Plan "Keeping Kids Safe and Families Healthy" called for the creation of the hotline to promote greater safety for Colorado's children. Designed to provide one, easy-to-remember phone number for individuals to use statewide to report suspected child abuse and neglect, the hotline serves as a direct, immediate and efficient route to Colorado's 64 counties and two tribal nations, which are responsible for accepting and responding to child abuse and neglect inquiries and reports. All callers will be able to speak with a call-taker 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The new hotline system will capture critical information and ensure that calls across the state are handled quickly and appropriately with the ultimate goal of ensuring that no child is harmed. To learn more about the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, go to www.colorado.gov/cdhs. |
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Adolescent Well-Being
From Child Trends
Adolescence is an important developmental phase along the path to adulthood, years during which youth become increasingly independent from their families. Yet parents and other family members still play a critical role in the promotion of adolescents' well-being, by providing a positive support system within which youth can explore their changing identity. In this brief from Child Trends, the authors update the findings from the 2006 publication, The Family Environment and Adolescent Well-being: Exposure to Positive and Negative Family Influences, and highlight several key areas of interaction between the family environment and adolescent well-being, using national data sources. Click here to read the brief. |
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ZERO TO THREE Video Series
From the Natioanl Center for Child Welfare Excellence (NCCWE)
A new video series, The Magic of Everyday Moments: Seeing is Believing, shows how adult interactions shape the growth and learning of infants and toddlers. This free resource shares videos that explore key aspects of early childhood development for use in work with parents and trainees, including: nurturing healthy brain development; building literacy skills; the power of play; and understanding temperament. Click here to go to the videos. |
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Making Adoption Affordable
From Voice for Adoption (VFA)
Many prospective adoptive parents are highly motivated to adopt a child, but are concerned that the process may be too complex and expensive. Other parents, who are in the midst of the adoption process, are surprised by the various expenses. The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), the Adoption Exchange, and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption are providing this booklet, How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option, to help parents prepare for all the financial costs of adopting and raising a child. This resource covers expenses common to most adoptions, expenses unique to the various types of adoption, financial assistance for adoption and post-adoption expenses, and tax breaks available to adoptive parents. Prospective adoptive families need not be deterred by myths about the expense of adoption, but they also should not allow emotions to blind them to the real costs. With careful financial planning, adoption can be an affordable option. This publication is flexible enough for both prospective adoptive parents who are new to the process and those who already have done their research but need specific information about finances. Click here to access this resource. |
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KIDS COUNT Data Book Available
From the National Center for Child Welfare Excellence (NCCWE)
In its 25th Edition, New KIDS COUNT Data Book Highlights social and economic shifts since 1990, combined with federal and state policy efforts, have significantly shaped child well-being today. Looking back on major trends in child health and development since the year of its first Data Book, the Annie E Casey Foundation finds a number of improvements for children. More kids are attending preschool, are proficient academically, and are healthier than in 1990. However, the economic recovery for families following the recession continues to be slow, and concerns about inequalities in opportunities for children in low-income families. Click here to read the report. |
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Events
Speak Up for Kids Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Denver Art Museum & Colorado State Capitol
Click here to register for this free event. Run for Orphans Saturday, May 9, 2015 The Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538 Click here for more information. |
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C.A.S.E. Webinar Series
These webinars are being offered by the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E). Click here to read more information about any of these webinars.
What Prospective & Adoptive Families Should Know about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD)
Thursday
February 19, 2015
11:00 a.m.
Desperately Seeking Attachment: Parenting Traumatized Children & Teens - Part 1
Thursday
March 19, 2015
11:00 a.m.
Desperately Seeking Attachment: Parenting Traumatized Children & Teens - Part 2
Thursday
April 16, 2015
11:00 a.m.
Search & Reunion in Domestic & International Adoption
Thursday
May 14, 2015
11:00 a.m.
Relating to Relatives: Adoption & Extended Family
Thursday
June 18, 2015
11:00 a.m.
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Hope for Adoptive Moms
A Place I Didn't Belong:
Hope for Adoptive Moms
A 10-week healing support group for adoptive moms of children with challenges.
Wednesdays, February 4-April 8, 2015
9:30am-11:30 am
Woodman Valley Church
Colorado Springs, CO
Childcare provided
To register, contact Lisa at [email protected]
Thursdays, February 12-April 16, 2015
9:00am-11:00am
Hope's Promise Office
Pagosa Springs, CO
To register, contact Nicole at [email protected]
Tuesdays, February 7-April 14, 2015
9:00am-10:45am
The Ascent Church
Monument, CO
To register, contact Laura at [email protected]
Click here for more info.
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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.
Adoptive Parents Support Group
1st Tuesday of the month
February 3 - May 5, 2015
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, CO 80011
Click here for more info.
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
Click here for more info.
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 [email protected].
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. Please contact Sarah at [email protected] 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
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
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 [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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.
Adult Adoptee Group
Thursdays starting November 6, 2014
6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
7950 S Lincoln St, Ste 111-E, Littleton, CO 80122
Call 303-522-3184 to register. $20 per session.
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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 [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. |
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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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