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Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   
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In This Issue
Help COCAF
Twitter COCAF!
Thank you!
Question of the Month
Adoption Tax Credit
Camp Teen Fundango
Teen Weekender Program
Intercountry Adoption
Preparing for Independence
Mental Health Crisis Services
Community Performance Center
Parents of Adults with Disabilities
Help Foster Children Excel in School
Trauma & Trust
Events
C.A.S.E. Webinar Series
Support Groups

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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.
Classroom Training

 

 

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.

 

 

Introduction to the Child Mental Health Treatment Act (HB 1116)

Thursday

April 9, 2015

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Denver WorkLife Partnership

99 Inca St

Denver, CO  80223

This class is free, but you must RSVP to Tim Webb at [email protected] by April 7. 

 

Educational Stability for Foster, Adoption, & Kinship Parents

Friday & Saturday

April 10 & 11, 2015

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Southeast Regional Training Center

172 Justice Center Road, Door C
Canon City CO 81212

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

 

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:  Solving Problems & Passing Along Your Values

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.

 

Caring for Children Who Have Been Abused

Friday & Saturday

May 8, 2015, 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

&

May 9, 2015, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Northeast Regional Training Center

 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. 

 

Educational Stability for Foster, Adoption, & Kinship Parents

Friday & Saturday

May 15-16, 2015

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Northeast Regional Training Center

 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.

 

Webinars
 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.

 

 

Webcasts

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?

Click here to download.

The 50 State Chartbook on Foster Care: A Web-Based Data Resource for Child Welfare Professionals

Click here to download.

 
  Improving the Economic Security of Children in Foster Care and Young People Who Are Transitioning from Foster Care
FREE Online Courses
FREE AFP Online Classes

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  

AMC Autism Logo  
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.

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.

Twitter @Adopt_Colorado 

 

Check us out at http://www.twitter.com/Adopt_Colorado  and follow us!  You'll get up to the minute news on classes, resources, and adoption issues. 

  
 

THANK YOU to all of you who took the time to respond to my question in last month's newsletter.  It is good to know that our newsletter is read and that people value the services COCAF provides, especially the advocacy Deborah Cave provides. 


 

The reason I asked for input from YOU is because the Community First Foundation is not going to let us participate in their annual Colorado Gives Day anymore because we don't bring in enough donations.  This service (you being able to donate to us online using their secured website) is a lifeline for us, and losing it will be devastating.  

 

I am hoping to use your emails letting us know how our services help you to make a last plea to the Community First Foundation to allow us to remain part of their Colorado Gives Day.  

 

So any of you who didn't email me last month, if you would like to help, please send me an email letting us know how COCAF has helped you...it may help us!  Click here to send me an email - let us know how COCAF has helped you!

 

Wishing you an awesome April!  raining-tulips.jpg

 

K. Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board of Directors
Thank you! 

Thank you to the Colorado Mammoth for allowing us to raise some funds by attending a game.  And a special thank you to those of you who bought tickets, especially Milt Murphy with Sammons Retirement Solutions (he bought a large block of tickets for his clients).

Question of the Month

Multi-ethnic arms outstretched to ask questions.
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: Is there an adoption support group in the Broomfield area?  If not, is there a group of people in the area who would like to start one? 

Answer:  We don't have an answer for this one -- but we're hoping you do!  Send any information to Colleen at [email protected] and we'll pass it on to the mom looking for some support!

Tax Season Is Here  

It's tax season - and the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) urges you to read their information sheet on the Adoption Tax Credit and to take full advantage of this benefit.  Even if you adopted in previous years, you should read this article to see if you need to refile previous years forms!  Click here to read the information sheet.  
Camp Teen Fundango 

young-tent-camping-bnr.jpg

Camp Teen Fundango is a 3-day weekend of camping for adoptive, foster, and kinship teens ages 10-16. Biological teens are welcomed as long as they are accompanying a foster, adoptive or kinship sibling.

 

The weekend was held at a primitive camp 45 minutes from Fort Collins - an off-the grid, pristine playground where kids discover both the natural world and their own innate skills and confidences. The weekend will be packed full of adventures and activities that engaged the kids in skill-building, learning, reflection and growth. Teens will be challenged to step outside their comfort zone, connect with new and unexpected friends, and discover their sense of self and leadership.  Activities include rock climbing, mountain boarding, hiking, and leap of faith.

 

Click here for more information.

Teen Weekender Program 

Summit Camp's Colorado Weekender Program is for young people, ages 11 - 19, who have Asperger's syndrome, NVLD, autism spectrum, ADHD/ADD, or other learning disabilities and would benefit from a directed weekend experience designed to foster socialization, peer interaction, and independence.

 

 

It is a weekend and school vacation program designed for teenagers to interact with and make a few new friends, and enjoy a guided and supervised recreational weekend break staffed by educators and youth workers who understand them.  Very much like a 24/7 social skills activity weekend.

 

The program has a 24/7 nurse in attendance.  The weekend programs take place in Buena Vista, with child pickup/drop-off in front range areas.  Click here to go to their website for more information.

 

Intercountry Adoption 

From UNICEF's Office of Research, The Best Interest of the Child in Intercountry Adoption, by Nigel Cantwell, is a study of practices in intercountry adoptions and how those practices effect the children.  Click here to read the report.

 

Preparing for Independence 

people-outside.jpg

The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed an informative brochure to help foster teens transitioning to being independent.  


 

The brochure contains a checklist of things the teens need to do before they're on their own, to help make their transition to independent living more successful.

 

Click here to go to the brochure.

 

Colorado Mental Health Crisis Services 

The hardest part about getting help for a mental health, substance use, or emotional issue is knowing where to begin - especially when an issue reaches a crisis point.

Colorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential, and immediate help for any mental health, substance use, or emotional concern, 24/7/365. Call 844-493-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained professional who will provide immediate support and connect you, or someone you know, to further resources. 
CDHS Community Performance Center 

CDHS has child welfare statistics by county, as well as state-wide, on their Community Performance Center website.  Information is divided into four categories:  Child Safety, Children in Out-Home-Care, Permanency Outcomes, and Performance Management.  Click here to go to the website.
Parents of Adults with Disabilities 

If your child is in their teens or older, you might enjoy (and benefit) from getting acquainted with Parents of Adults with Disabilities in Colorado (PAD-CO), a group of families who work hard on  all the issues that come with aging out of the school years with a disability.  PAD-CO usually only converses online, but occasionally they get together to discuss common interests.  

Their next in-person meeting is Wednesday, April 15 at Perkins Restaurant, 1995 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, 80222, (303-757-7155), starting at 11:30.  The restaurant is accessible.  All youngsters, family members, and guests are welcome.   Please RSVP to moderator Dr. Denver Fox at [email protected].  Dr. Fox is the parent of 2 adult sons with disabilities. Come and enjoy the lively conversation over lunch.

 

Help Foster Children Excel in School 

school-group.jpg

Helping foster children succeed in school is critical to their long-term development.  Learn ways to help in this article at ExpertBeacon.com.  


 

Click here to read the article.

Trauma & Trust 

Many of our adopted children suffered trauma.  Learning how to help them trust again is critical to a successful relationship.  Read some tips on how to help your child in this article in the examiner.com.  Click here to read the article.

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. Click here for more information.

 

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.

 

 

2nd Annual Every Child Has a Name Adoption Expo

May 9, 2015 

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church

10150 E Belleview Avenue, Englewood, CO

 

This free expo is perfect for prospective adoptive families and individuals, or those looking to get involved in adoption.  Keynote speaker is Alex Krutov.  There will be breakout sessions and opportunities to speak with representatives from various adoption agencies and orphan care organizations.  For more information, click here or email Meaghan Nally at [email protected].

 

  

Run for Orphans

Saturday, May 9, 2015

The Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538

Click here for more information.

  

Blue Jean Bash

Saturday, 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.

 

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 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.

  

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.
 

 

  

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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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