Logo
Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   
DONATE Today!
In This Issue
Help COCAF When You Shop
C.A.S.E. Webinars
Twitter COCAF!
Subsidies / Adoption Assistance
Adoption Assistance Resources
CDHS Seeks Input
Cope with Trauma
Animal Assisted Therapy
Protecting Parents with Disabilities
Cell Phones
Trauma, Treatment, & Psychotropic Medications
Events
Support Groups

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.
Classroom Training

Working with the School System: IEPs and Advocating for Your Child
Thursday
September 10, 2015
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Evangelical Church
803 3rd Ave
 Longmont
RSVP REQUIRED: 
Margaret Davidson 303-441-1120  or [email protected]

Parenting Kids From Hard Places: An Introduction to TBRI
Friday
September 11, 2015
9:30 am-3:00 pm
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Avenue
Aurora CO

Parenting Kids From Hard Places: In Depth TBRI Connection Principles
Friday
September 18, 2015
9:30 am-3:00 pm
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Avenue
Aurora CO

Parenting Children with Challenging Behaviors
Friday
Sept 25, 2015
Canon City

Mobilizing Families
Thursdays
October 1 - November 5, 2015

Family Wellness Event
Saturday
October 3, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Timberline Church
2908 South Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO

Webinars
C.A.S.E. Webinars 

Adoption and Learning Differences: What to Know and What to Expect

Thursday, September 17, 2015

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Extended Access: September 18-22, 2015

 

Strategies for Success: Parenting Your Child/Teen with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD

Thursday, October 15, 2015

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Extended Access: October 16- 21, 2015

 

Considering Adoption? Making the Decision to Adopt Older Children/Teens from Foster Care

Thursday, November 19, 2015

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Extended Access: November 20-25, 2015

 

Search and Reunion in International Adoption

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Extended Access: January 27 - February 2, 2016

 

Ask the Expert: Answers to the Five Most Common Adopted Teen Parenting Challenges

Thursday, February 18, 2016

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Extended Access: February 19- 24, 2016

 

Parent to Parent: Addressing Trauma-Based Behaviors to Promote Attachment

Thursday, March 17, 2016

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Extended Access: March 18 -23, 2016

 

Search and Reunion: Focus on Birthfathers

Thursday, April 21, 2016

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Extended Access: April 22 - 27, 2016

 

Ready by 21: A Realistic Approach to Helping Foster Youth Transition to Adulthood

Thursday, May 19, 2016

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Extended Access: May 20 - 25, 2016

 

Adoptive Fathers: Empowering the Male Voice

Thursday, June 16, 2016

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Extended Access: June 17 - 22, 2016

 Conferences

Together We Can
October 13-15, 2015
Cajundome
Lafayette, LA
 
Relatives Raising Children 2015 Conference
Friday
November 6, 2015
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Adams County Government Conference Center
4430 S Adams Pkwy
Brighton, CO 80601

NACAC Conference
August 3-6, 2016
Nashville, TN

 

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.

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. 

  
Greetings!
 
Considering a variety of different methods of therapy can be very helpful for children with trauma backgrounds.  

If you would be interested in participating in an animal-assisted therapy adoptive multi-family group, email your contact information to Linda Chassman at [email protected].
  
Many children can relate to animals in ways they can't relate to people, so this could be a great opportunity to help your child move forward.  And we all want our children to move forward in a positive way.
 
Have a fantastic fall!           
fluffy-bunnies.jpg
 
K. Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board of Directors
Question of the Month 

Multi-ethnic arms outstretched to ask questions.
How can potential adoptive parents' know what sort of adoption assistance (subsidy) may be available to their adoptive child(ren)?

In Colorado, adoption assistance payments are determined by the county from which you are adopting.  

It is in your best interest to know what that county's adoption assistance policy prior to starting any negotiations.  For example, Mesa County's policy states that they cap their adoption assistance payments at 50% of the child's current foster care rate.

Click here to go to the Colorado Department of Human Services' (CDHS) website to see all the counties adoption assistance policies.
Adoption Assistance Resources 

Before adopting from the child welfare system, you should become as well educated about what your rights and options are.  Here are some valuable resources on adoption assistance (subsidy):
  1. Visit the North American Council of Adoptable Children (NACAC)  adoption subsidy web page to find information about their Adoption Subsidy Resource Center. This Resource Center helps professionals and adoptive parents learn about the benefits available to children and youth adopted from foster care in the U.S. and Canada. Information includes profiles for State subsidy programs, fact sheets, and information about the adoption tax credit .
  2. Explore the Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (AAICAMA) for adoption assistance information including Federal law, policy, and issuances.
  3. Child Welfare Information Gateway provides information to locate adoption assistance by State and information on how to reduce financial obstacles in adoption. In addition, Financial Assistance for Families is a resource for professionals to find information about adoption and educational assistance, including links to policy manuals, organizations, and professionals who may be able to help interpret States' financial assistance policies. 
CDHS Seeks Input 

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is conducting a series of town hall meetings to solicit feedback, comments, and suggestions to help inform the direction of the department and priorities for the coming year.

 

COCAF urges our adoptive/kinship/foster families to attend these meetings and ask questions about the services you receive (or those you need, but aren't receiving!).

 

Pueblo County

Monday, September 14, 2015, at 2:00 p.m.

Rawlings Library Ryals Room, 4th Floor

100 E Abriendo Ave, Pueblo

 

Click here to register for a session.

 

This forum will be accessible to all persons. Auxiliary aids and services such as Sign Language Interpreters, CART services, Language Interpretation services, materials in Braille or large print and FM systems may be provided upon request. Please contact Kristina Mueller (303.866.2804 or [email protected]) or Devon Reichart (303.866.4621 or [email protected]) to request access services in advance of the meetings.

Helping Foster & Adoptive Families Cope with Trauma:  A Guide for Pediatricians 
From Voice For Adoption (VFA)

The American Academy of Pediatrics has produced a Trauma Guide - which includes the "Trauma Toolbox for Primary Care", and "Helping Foster and Adoptive Families Cope with Trauma: A Guide for Pediatricians".  

The first is a six part series to inform primary care practitioners about the process of asking families of exposure to traumatic events and was funded through a grant from the Health and Human Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau.  

The latter, developed in partnership with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Jockey Being Family, provides materials for pediatricians on how to support adoptive and foster families.  It helps pediatricians be able to identify traumatized children, educate families about toxic stress, and empower families to respond to their child's behavior in a way that acknowledges past trauma but promotes new reactions to stress. 

Click here to access these resources. 
Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado (AATPC) Taking Medicaid 

Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado (AATPC), in Lakewood, now accepts clients with Medicaid from Denver, Weld, Arapahoe, Douglas, Adams, and several other counties. If you are interested in finding out more about the counseling services AATPC provides for adoptive families, click here to visit their website or call 720-266-4444, ext 0. 

 
 
Obama Admin Protecting Parents with Disabilities 
From disabilityscoop

The Obama administration is warning state and local officials not to discriminate against people with disabilities who have children or would like to.

Technical assistance issued jointly this month from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services clarifies that children should not be taken from their moms or dads simply because a parent has a disability. Similarly, federal officials said that people with disabilities should not face added barriers to becoming foster or adoptive parents due solely to their special needs.

Click here to read the entire article.
Cell Phones for Those with Medicaid 

young-cellphone-man.jpg
Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. In 2005, Lifeline discounts were made available to qualifying low-income consumers on pre-paid wireless service plans in addition to traditional landline service. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund.

The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. Consumers with proper proof of eligibility may be qualified to enroll.

To participate in the program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of several assistance programs, including Medicaid.  Families who have adopted from the foster care system are eligible if their adopted child(ren) have Medicaid.

Click here to read more about this program.
 
Trauma, Treatment, & Psychotropic Medications 
From the Child Welfare Information Gateway

Supporting Youth in Foster Care in Making Healthy Choices: A Guide for Caregivers and Caseworkers on Trauma, Treatment, and Psychotropic Medications is intended to help caseworkers, foster parents, or other caring adults learn about trauma experienced by youth in foster care and treatment options, including approaches other than psychotropic medication. 

The guide presents strategies for seeking help for youth, identifying appropriate treatment, and supporting youth in making decisions about their mental health. 

In addition, this guide serves as a companion guide to the 2012 Making Healthy Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care.

Click here to go to the guide.  

Supporting youth in foster care in making healthy choices: A Guide for caregivers and caseworkers on trauma, treatment, and psychotropic medications. Washington, DC: Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau, 2015.)
Events

Adoption Info Night
Thursday, September 24, 2015, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Nightlight Christian Adoptions
150 E 29th St, Loveland, CO 80538
 
Free event to provide information on their adoption programs.  Contact Brandi Scott at (970) 663-6799 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.

Family Wellness Event for Foster and Adoptive Families
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Fort Collins, CO
 
Event includes a breakout session for single adoptive or foster parents.  Click here for more information.

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

Last Sunday of every month from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Discovery Church, 2605 W 144th Ave, Broomfield, CO  80023

Meets the last Sunday of every month from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  
For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]
  

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  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.

 
Join Our Mailing List
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