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In This Issue
Help COCAF When You Shop
C.A.S.E. Webinars
Twitter COCAF!
Educate Yourself!
Resources for Parents
Much Needed Respite!
Events
Support Groups

Help COCAF

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Classroom Training

Parenting Kids from Hard Places: An Introduction to TBRI
Friday
January 8, 2015
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave.
Aurora, CO  80014
Click here for more info.

Supporting Your Special Needs Child
Friday
January 8, 2016
Denver, CO

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

Seeing & Hearing LBGTQ Youth
Monday
January 11, 2016
Greenwood Village, CO

Adoption Information Class
Wednesday January 13, 2016
9:30 am-3:00 pm
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora CO
Click here for more info.

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]

Parenting Children with Challenging Behaviors
Friday
January 15, 2016
Broomfield, CO

Creating Healing Attachments for Children
Tuesday
January 19, 2016
Aurora, CO

Raising Children with Trauma Histories
Tuesday
January 19, 2016
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Risen Christ Catholic Parish
3060 S. Monaco Pkwy
Denver, CO 80222
RSVP to Carrie Savage at 303-742-0823 x2071 or [email protected]
 
Trauma:  Impact on the Developing Mind and Brain
Thursday
January 21, 2016
9:00 a.m. - noon
Mile High United Way
711 Park Ave West
Denver, CO

Sexually Abused Children:  Parenting Game Plan
Friday
January 29, 2016
Denver, CO
Click here for more info.

Forgiveness Workshop for Foster/Adopted Youth/Young Adults
Saturday January 30, 2016
10:00 am-3:00 pm
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Avenue
Aurora CO

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder:
When Good Parenting Doesn't Work
Wednesday
February 3, 2016
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
515 Coffman
Longmont, CO 80501

Tips for Parenting Trauma-Reactive Kids
Thursday
February 4, 2016
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Southglenn Library
Centennial, CO

Becoming Sensory Smart
Tuesday February 9, 2016
6:00 pm-9:00 pm
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Avenue
Aurora CO

Transition to Adult Living
Friday
February 12, 2016
Ca�on City, 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]
 
TBRI In-Depth Connecting Principles
Friday
February 26, 2016
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave.
Aurora, CO  80014

The Impact of Trauma on Development and Attachment:  Trauma Informed Strategies
Friday
February 26, 2016
Northeast Regional Training Center
Fort Collins, CO

Two Families, One Goal
Friday
February 26, 2016
Southeast Regional Training Center
Ca�on City, CO

Parenting Kids From Hard Places: An Introduction to TBRI
Friday
March 11, 2016
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave.
Aurora, CO  80014

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
The Cost of Caring Webinar
Monday January 25, 2016
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Fetal Alcohol: What it is and is not - Webinar
Tuesday January 26, 2016
10:00 a.m. - noon

Adoption Tax Credit Webinar
Tuesday
February 2, 2016
1:00 p.m.

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.

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

Jan 23 10:00 a.m.
Norm of the North

Jan 26 7:00 p.m.
Ride Along 2

 

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. 

  
 
If you are tired of hearing stories about my life, please skip to the next article.  (I promise, I won't be offended.)  And in case you're wondering, the reason I write about my life is because I don't want to violate anyone else's confidential/private information. 
 
I had an interesting experience a few months ago.  I had an idiopathic neurological event, which is doc talk for I passed out, lost 2 � hours of my memory, and they can't find any physical reason why it happened.  So I had my first ride in an ambulance and was carried out by five of the most handsome firefighters you've ever seen...and I don't remember any of it.  (I am however sticking to my version of the story that includes handsome firefighters!  I have to at least have some fun with it!!)
 
I am perfectly fine, so please don't worry about me.  The point of me telling you this is the fact that I have a 2 1/2 hour hole in my memory.  Not much time in the big picture, but it haunts me.  I should be able to remember, but I can't.  Luckily for me, I was surrounded by family who are more than happy to share all the details with me, so I do know what happened, just not from my personal perspective.
 
If you adopted from the child welfare system or from a foreign orphanage, now imagine what it is like for your adopted child who has no memory of their childhood.  Not just 2 hours, but days, weeks, months, even years of no memories.  And no one to fill in the blanks.  No one to explain why they have a panic attack every time they see lit candles on a birthday cake.  No one to explain why they have a violent visceral response to the smell of popcorn.  No one who can explain the scar on their forehead.  No one to explain why they can never have enough food.
 
Living without memories of your own life is its own trauma.  If your child is bothered by the "holes" in their memories, work with your child's therapist to help them get through this trauma.  And if you can, find out as much as you can about your child's past so that you can share it with them when they are ready.  No one should have to live their life wondering about their past.
       
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May 2016 Be Your Best Year Yet!  
 
K. Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board of Directors
Educate Yourself!!!

Having a successful family takes work -- and the proper tools.  Arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible; there's always a new technique that might be just what you need to get through to your child.

Check out the intensive list of classes to the left -- they include everything from dealing with your child's trauma to figuring out the way to get the most money out of the adoption tax credit.

Education is power!
 
Resources for Parents 
From the Child Welfare Triad
 
Much Needed Respite! 

Fundango appreciates the love, energy, and time you give children. Let them help you TAKE A MUCH NEEDED BREAK!!
 
Enjoy 3 hours all to yourselves while your kids have fun at the Fundango program.  Fundango is a respite program for all children (ages 6 months to 16 years of age) of foster, adoptive, and kinship parents in Colorado. Biological children are welcome too. Screened and trained staff and volunteers lead groups of children through six stations after being served dinner. While your kids are playing, you will receive the rest you need!
 
To reserve a spot at Fundango, parents must pay $5 a child, no more than $15 a family. All reservations are due the Wednesday prior to a Fundango event. Events are from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
 
For more information, visit the Fundango website at www.kidsatheartfundango.org or contact Erica Wharton at 970-223-1230 or by email at [email protected]. 

Interested in volunteering? Please contact Mary Beth at 970-223-1230 or by email at [email protected].
 

 
108,000 US Children Waiting 
From Voice for adoption
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According to the Voice For Adoption, there are nearly 108,000 children in the US foster care system waiting to be adopted, including over 1,000 from Colorado.
 

 
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