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Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families. |
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Classroom Training
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Trauma: Mind & Body
Friday
March 6, 2015
8:00 a.m. - noon
Claver Hall, Regis University
W 52nd & Lowell Blvd
Denver, CO 80221
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.
What Science Is Informing Us About Trauma: Implications for Programming & Interventions
Thursday
April 2, 2015
9:00 a.m. - noon
Mile High United Way
711 Park Ave West
Denver, CO 80205
Click here for more info.
Child-Parent Therapy Coaching
Thursdays
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015
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.
Empowered to Connect Simulcast
April 10-11, 2015
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Timberline Windsor
Click here for more info.
Transitions Resource fair for Individuals with Disabilities & Their Families
Monday
April 13, 2015
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tivoli Student Union
900 Auraria Pkwy
Denver, CO
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.
FASD: Prevention & Intervention: Let's Do It Together
Tuesday
May 12, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
West Bowles Community Church
12325 W Bowles Ave
Littleton, CO 80127
Click here for more info.
Attachment-Focused Family Therapy
Daniel Hughes Training
Tuesday-Friday
June 2-5, 2015
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
PAAS Center
2460 W 26th Ave, C-165
Denver, CO 80211
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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Adopting from Foster Care
Wednesday
March 18, 2015
11:00 a.m. - noon
Click here for more info.
Emerging Practices & Policies to Address the Needs of Children in Immigrant Families
Tuesday
March 24, 2015
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Desperately Seeking Attachment: Parenting Traumatized Children & Teens, Part 1 Thursday March 26, 2015 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Sustaining the Promise of Child Well-Being for Infants & Toddlers Born Prenatally Drug Exposed: Strategies, Core Components & Long-Term Outcomes of the Miami Community Collaboration Model Tuesday April 14, 2015 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Desperately Seeking Attachment: Parenting Traumatized Children & Teens, Part 2 Thursday April 16, 2015 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
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| Conferences | |
26th Annual CO Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference:
Trauma, Integrated Care & Implementation in Children's Services
Friday & Saturday
April 13-14, 2015
Hilton Hotel
Fort Collins, CO
Click here for more info.
Note that parents of children with mental health issues get a special conference rate!
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. 2015 NACAC Conference: Changing the Picture of Foster Care & Adoption July 30 - August 1, 2015 Long Beach, CA Click here for more info. Together We Can October 13-15, 2015 Cajundome Lafayette, LA 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.
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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I usually try to keep this intro light and hopefully a little inspiring. This month I need to switch gears and ask a very serious question. Do you actually read our newsletter? Do you think COCAF provides a valuable service to adoptive families or have we outlived our usefulness? We receive almost no feedback from those of you receiving this email, and we truly need to know if this newsletter and COCAF's advocacy services are still needed.
So please do respond and let us know if you still need us. If we don't get responses we'll know that it's time to retire. Click here to send me an email and let me know what direction COCAF should take moving forward.
Happy March to everyone and I hope the spring brings us renewed, positive energy!
K. Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board of Directors
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JOIN US ON FRIDAY!!!
COCAF Fundraiser with the Colorado Mammoth! Meet Deborah Cave, COCAF Executive Director, and enjoy and exciting, fast-paced game! 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 our child's adoption assistance payment (subsidy) be increased if our child's needs change?
Answer: Yes. If you have a Title IV-e adoption assistance agreement, you have the right to renegotiate the terms of the agreement with your County if your child's needs change substantially. |
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Colorado Foster Care Adoptions Drop
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, Children's Bureau has published their 10-year statistics on adoption from the foster care system by state. The report covers 2004 through 2013. Colorado's 2013 adoptions from foster care was the lowest in 10 years. To see the report, click here. |
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College Financial Aid
From Voice For Adoption (VFA)
Youth who were in foster care on or after their 13th birthday qualify for "independent student" status on the federal FAFSA form, this includes youth who have subsequently been adopted. This eligibility allows only the students income to be counted toward their Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This information pertains to question number 53 on the FAFSA form: "At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?" The Application and Verification Guide, which is given to financial institutions, further clarifies these youths eligibility by stating, "Orphan, foster child, or ward of the court. A student who was an orphan-both her parents were dead-when 13 or older is independent even if she was subsequently adopted. Likewise, a student who was at any time since the age of 13 a foster child or a ward of the court is independent even if her status changed later." Click here to access VFA's factsheet on the law. |
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2015 Domestic Adoption Camp
Join Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families for the Domestic Adoption Camp to be held July 30 - August 2, 2015, at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO, in the heart of the beautiful foothills. Families built by domestic adoption, foster care, and kinship are all welcome. It will be a wonderful weekend in celebration of our adoptive families! Click here for more information on the domestic adoption camp. Click here for more information on all the camps offered by Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families. |
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Online Adoption Support Group
Those of you with hectic schedules AND needing to attend a support group, maybe an online support group is the answer. Deb Felio is offering an online support group the second Tuesday of each month, with both morning session (9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) and evening session (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.). Parents call in to the session, listen to a short presentation, then have time to ask questions about the presentation subject, followed by discussion other issues.
To attend the online support group, email Deb at [email protected] to get the toll-free call-in number and access code. |
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Thinking About Adopting?
If you are thinking about adopting or are in the process, you might want to look at the training resources provided by the Child Welfare Information Gateway. Click here to go to their website. |
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Autism & Vaccinations
 Autism Speaks revised its policy on immunizations in a statement published on its website. A statement from Chief Science Officer Rob Ring reads: "Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. We urge that all children be fully vaccinated." COCAF urges all parents to vaccinate their children unless there is a medical reason a child cannot be vaccinated. |
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1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437)
Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is up and running. This new system provides one state-wide, toll-free number that can be used to report suspected child abuse or neglect. People reporting can still go through 911, their local law enforcement agency, or social services; the hotline just provides another avenue for reporting. Calls are confidential. |
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Federal Call for Comments
From Voice For Adoption (VFA)
Public Notice: Call for Comments on AFCARS Data Collection Rules The Children's Bureau released a "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)" for the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) builds on an earlier proposed rule, published January 11, 2008, that addressed the requirements for State title IV-E agencies to collect and report data to ACF on children who are in out-of-home care and in subsidized adoption or guardianship arrangements with the State and AFCARS penalty requirements of the Adoption Promotion Act of 2003. In addition, modifications were made to address requirements from the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 and the new law, Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act. Additions were made to include information on (1) collecting and reporting data related to the title IV-E guardianship assistance program, (2) sibling placement, (3) the extension of title IV-E assistance to children age 18 or older, (4) educational stability plans and transition plans for children in foster care and the inclusion of Tribal title IV-E agencies, (5) victims of sex trafficking, (6) children in foster care who are pregnant or parenting, and (7) children in non-foster family settings. Comments on the proposed rule can be submitted through April 10, 2015. Click here to learn more.
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Date Night?
Looking for a little alone time or maybe a date night? Consider Fundango for your kids! Fundango is a respite program for all children (ages 6 months to 16 years of age) of foster, adoptive, and kinship parents in Northern Colorado. Screened and trained staff and volunteers lead groups of children through six stations after being served dinner. Those stations include crafts, snack, games, hands-on-fun, gym, special rotation, and "move it." In order to reserve their spot at Fundango, parents pay $5 a child, no more than $15 a family. Click here to learn more or to see the 2015 schedule.
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Events
Flavors of the World Gala Fundraiser for Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families Saturday, April 18, 2015 Highlands Masonic Center The Gala is a fanciful, fun event with delicious international food stations, always amazing cultural entertainment, and the chance to support Heritage Camps while wearing something other than a camp T-shirt -- festive attire! Plus the silent auction is already shaping up to be outstanding, and they'll have some awesome raffle prizes this year. They will also have some fantastic auction items on E-bay coming soon. More information to come! Chocolate! Mothers' Tea
Fundraiser for Parent to Parent of Colorado
Saturday, May 9, 2015
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The Westin Denver Downtown
1672 Lawrence St
Denver, CO 80202
Listen to Julie Pech, "The Chocolate Therapist," watch a mother and child fashion show, and win prizes! Click here for more information.
Run for Orphans Saturday, May 9, 2015 The Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538 Click here for more information. Blue Jean BashSaturday, September 26, 2015 The EXDO Event Center Supporting Clothes To Kids of Denver and their mission to provide free school clothing to students in need. 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.
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.
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
[email protected]
for the toll-free number and access code.
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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