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Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
In This Issue
Help COCAF When You Shop
C.A.S.E. Webinars
Twitter COCAF!
Food Baskets
IEPs for Children with Disabilities
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

Nurturing Fatherhood Program
13-week program
December 2015-March 2016
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
For more info, contact Nancy Regalado 
303-552-6231

Parenting Kids from Hard Places: An Introduction to TBRI
Friday
December 11, 2015
9:30 am-3:00 pm
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Avenue
Aurora CO
Click here for more info. 

EMPOWRD!  Workshop for Kids
Sunday
December 13, 2015
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Koelbel Library
Centennial, CO

Adoptive Parent Speed Greeting: 
Ask Questions of the "Experts"
Tuesday
December 15, 2015
6:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
Aurora, CO

Experience Dyslexia� Simulation
Sunday
January 10, 2016
Denver Public Library
Level B2 Conference Center
10 W 14th Ave Parkway
Denver, CO  80204

IEP Assessments & Monitoring Progress
Wednesday
January 13, 2016
BVSD Education Center
6500 Arapahoe Rd
Boulder, CO 80301        
For more information, contact Anna Stewart at 720-561-5918 or [email protected]
 
Tips for Parenting Trauma-Reactive Kids
Thursday
February 4, 2016
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Southglenn Library
Centennial, CO

Understanding Executive Functioning (EF)
Wednesday
February 24, 2016
BVSD Education Center
6500 Arapahoe Rd
Boulder, CO 80301        
For more information, contact Anna Stewart at 720-561-5918 or [email protected]
 
Twice Exceptional Learners
Thursday
March 31, 2016
BVSD Education Center
6500 Arapahoe Rd
Boulder, CO 80301        
For more information, contact Anna Stewart at 720-561-5918 or [email protected]

2nd Annual Transracial Adoption Bootcamp:  From Colorblind to Color Brave
Saturday
April 16, 2015
12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Southglenn Library
Centennial, CO

Webinars
How Centering Health and Wellness in Social Justice Movements Is Shifting the Narrative from Surviving to Thriving for Trans and Gender Non-conforming Communities Disproportionately Impacted by Structural Oppression
Thursday
December 10, 2015
Noon - 2:00 p.m. MST
 
Imagining Your Future Child
Tuesday
December 15, 2015
11:00 a.m. MST
C.A.S.E. Webinars 


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
Courage to Risk
January 22-23, 2016
Broadmoor Hotel
Colorado Springs, CO

Reading in the City
Saturday
April 9, 2016
Denver, CO

NACAC Conference
August 3-6, 2016
Nashville, TN

Reading in the Rockies Fall Conference
October 7-8, 2016
Vail, CO

 

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.

Nov 28 10 a.m.
Dec 12 10 a.m.
The Good Dinosaur

Nov 28 7:00 p.m.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 2

Dec 22 7 p.m.
Dec 26 10 a.m.
Jan 9 10:00 a.m.
Jan 12 7:00 p.m.
Star Wars:  
The Force Awakens

 

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. 

  
 
Tuesday is Giving Day, and every nonprofit in the USA is emailing you, asking for money.  I know this, and I apologize, but I must do it, too.
 
I hate, hate, hate asking for money.  And if I ever win the lottery big, I will never ask for money from you again - I'll just support COCAF on my own - it would be so much less stressful.  But until then, I do have to ask.
 
COCAF survives on the proverbial shoestring budget, but we do have to pay for the essentials:  Phone, post office box, software to produce and distribute the enewsletter, server space for our website, and the usual office supplies.  So we're not asking for much, but we do need to get enough to cover those expenses.
 
So if you have an extra $5, please consider donating to COCAF.  Yes, our website will take a $5 donation (the Colorado Gives site will not allow you to donate less than $10).
 
How much is COCAF worth to you?
  • Have you ever spent time on the phone with Deborah figuring out what you do next?  How much was that time worth?
  • Did Deborah help you prepare for your fair hearing?  An attorney would have charged you at least $150 an hour for that.  What did Deborah charge you?  Nothing!  How much money did she save you?
  • Did Deborah attend your fair hearing with you?   An attorney would have charged you at least $200 an hour for that.  What did Deborah charge you?  Nothing again!  How much money did she save you this time?
  • Have you ever found anything in any of the enewsletters that helped you?  A class, a webinar, a support group?  What was that worth?
  • Has the website provided you with information to help you in any way? 
COCAF supports all Colorado adoptive families, as well as those who live in other states but adopted children through the Colorado foster care system, and we do it for no cost to any of the families.  

Please help us continue to provide this critical support:  

 
 
Special thanks to those who have already donated:  Marc S, TJ, Marc B, Nicole, Charles, Frank & Carla, Milt, Dianne, Beth, Jana, Patti, Sarah, Deborah H, Joni, Joanne, Gary, David, and Susan!!!  

       
happy-holidays-header.jpg

May Peace and Love Get Your Family Through the Holiday Season!  
 
K. Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board of Directors
Food Baskets 

If you know anyone who needs help with food for Christmas, both the Volunteers of America and Servicios de la Raza are giving out food baskets.
 
Volunteers of America will start giving out vouchers on Monday, December 14 at 9:00 a.m.  Plan on arriving by 8:00 a.m. to have a chance at a voucher.  Must bring a Colorado ID and proof of address.  The actual food basket will need to be picked up (using the voucher) on Monday, December 21.  Volunteers of America, 2877 Lawrence St, Denver, CO  80205 (303-295-2165)
 
Servicios de la Raza will distribute baskets starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 22 at 9:00 a.m. (first come, first served).  Must bring an ID and proof of address.  Servicios de la Raza, 3131 W 14th Ave., Denver, CO  80204

IEPs for Children with Disabilities
From Disability Scoop

Beyond offering a free appropriate public education, individualized education programs for students with disabilities should meet grade-level requirements, federal education officials say.

According to the guidance, IEP teams must ensure that programs feature grade-level academics, but that instruction and support services are tailored so children can learn the material and progress toward achieving their individual goals.

To read the entire article, click here.

Events

Pizza Nights for Families Affected by Autism
The Autism Society of Colorado and Beau Jo's team up to offer individuals and families an autism friendly dining experience. 
For more information: 720-214-0794 or www.autismcolorado.org
 
First Tuesday of every month:
Arvada Beau Jo's Wadsworth & 53rd
7525 W 53rd Ave
Arvada, CO 80002
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
KIDS EAT FREE
 
First Wednesday of every month:
Denver Beau Jo's Colorado Blvd & Yale
2710 Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80222
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.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.

Fathers Forever
2nd & 4th Thursdays
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Resilience Center, 1298 Peoria St, Aurora, CO  80011
For more information, contact Don Reynolds (720-353-6103) or Aaron Lockwood (303-901-4486).
 
Grandparent Group
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Aurora Mental Health Center in the Early Childhood & Family Dept.
11059 E Bethany Dr., Suite 101, Aurora, CO  80014
For more information, contact Aline Ratliff (303-885-5163).
 
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
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
 

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

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

Aurora Mental Health
Adoption Support Group
2nd & 4th Mondays of the month
Aurora Mental Health
11059 E Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO 80014

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
 
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.  
  

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