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Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   

In This Issue
Help COCAF When You Shop
C.A.S.E. Webinars
Twitter COCAF!
Scholarship Opportunity
Heritage Camps
Teen Conference
Adoption Data
COPARC Conference
Parenting Support
Events
Support Groups

Help COCAF

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Classroom Training

"Black" Hair 101
Thursday
March 3, 2016
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here for more info.

Open Versus Closed Adoptions:  Yesterday, Today, and the Future
Tuesday
March 8, 2016
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Denver Police Department
1311 W 46th Ave
Denver, CO  80211
Click here for more info.

Signs & Symptoms of Child Abuse & Neglect in Spanish
Thursday
March 10, 2016
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Mile High United Way
711 Park Avenue West
Denver, CO 80205
Click here for more info.

Problematic Sexualized Behaviors in Children:  A Case Application
Thursday
March 10, 2016
9:00 a.m. - noon
Mile High United Way
711 Park Avenue West
Denver, CO 80205
Contact DCAC 303-825-3850

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]

Mental Health:  Understanding the Misunderstood Disease
Friday
April 8, 2016
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Denver Police Protective Center
2105 Decatur St
Denver, CO 80211

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

Guardianship Training, Part 1
Monday
April 18, 2016
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DDRC
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
RSVP to Megan Martin, 303-462-6590
Click here for more info.

Guardianship Training, Part 2
Monday
April 25, 2016
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
DDRC
11177 W 8th Ave
Lakewood, CO
RSVP to Megan Martin, 303-462-6590

Webinars
C.A.S.E. Webinars 


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

Reading in the City 2016
Brain Research & Practical Teaching Strategies
Literacy Conference for Educators
Saturday
April 9, 2016
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
North High School
Denver, CO

Camp Watwuzithink'n Part 2
Wednesday - Friday
April 27-29, 2016
Beaver Run Resort
Breckenridge, CO

COPARC's Annual Spotlight Conference:  Bloom Renewing & Refreshing Families
Friday
April 29, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Pines at Genesee
633 Park Point Drive
Golden, Colorado 80401
Click here for more info.

GLOW Conference for TEENS
For adopted teens or teens in foster care ages 13-18
Saturday
June 11, 2016
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Miller Activity Complex
1375 W Plum Creek Pkwy
Castle Rock, CO 80109

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
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.

Feb 27  10:00 a.m.
Kung Fu Panda 3

March 8  7:00 p.m.
London Has Fallen

March 12  7:00 p.m. &
March 26 10:00 a.m.
Zootopia

April 9 10:00 a.m.
April 12 7:00 p.m.
Batman vs Superman 
Dawn of Justice

April 23 10:00 a.m.
The Jungle Book

April 26 at 7:00 p.m.
The Huntsman Winter's War 

 

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. 

  
 
Perspective.  We all think we have the "right perspective."  But perspective is colored by our experiences.  We're about to put our house on the market.  Our youngest adoptive son is our realtor.  When I expressed stress over all the things that we need to fix (23 years + 9 kids in a house = lots of damage!), my son looked perplexed.  He commented that the house "didn't need much." 

Perspective:  Where I saw holes in doors, he saw the door to his first bedroom that he didn't have to share with anyone.  Where I saw damaged paint, he saw hilarious games of indoor tag.  Where I saw a big dirt patch in the grass, he saw home plate.  Where I saw shredded carpet, he saw...well, shredded carpet (darn cat!).  Perspective.

So when you can't understand your children, stop, and ask for their help to understand their perspective; it will be worth it for both of you.

Sl�n leat!   stpattys_day3.jpg
 
K. Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board of Directors
Scholarship Opportunity 

Helen M. McLoraine Scholarship for Foster Care & Emancipating Youth is for individuals who have been in the Colorado foster care system for a minimum of 24 months between the ages of 13 and 18 who are planning to attend or are attending a career or technical school, community college, or four-year institution. This program is for youth in the Colorado foster care system or youth that have emancipated. Scholars may receive funding for up to four years.  The application deadline is March 24, 2016

Please contact Emily Stanley at [email protected] with questions.
 

 
Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families 

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Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families has published their 2016 schedule.  If you're interested in any of these camps, click here for more information.

June 9-12      African/Caribbean
June 16-19     Korean
June 23-26     Chinese II
June 23-26     Latin American
July 7-10       Indian/Nepalese
July 14-17      Cambodian
July 14-17      Vietnamese/Thai

July 21-24      Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian 
July 29-21      Adult Adoptee Retreat
August 4-7     Domestic Adoption Camp
August 4-7     Filipino/Indonesian/Pacific Islander           
Sept 2-5        Chinese in Fraser, CO 


Conference for Adopted TEENS! 

Rarely do we see resources for teens, so be sure to have your adopted or foster care teen take advantage of The Adoption Exchange's GLOW Conference for Teens.

Teens will spend the day connecting, having fun, and hearing from adult adoptees. The morning will include adventuring on the new Kristall Turm, an aerial adventure park with multiple levels of fun and activities for all levels of daring. After lunch on the Kristall Turm Platform, teens will be hearing from a panel of adult adoptees and then breaking into sessions of their choosing.  An alternative activity will be provided for those teens who do not want to participate in an aerial adventure.

This conference is intended for teens ages 13-18, who have been adopted or are currently in the foster care system.   Click here for more information.
 
Adoption Data 
From The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)

Child Trends and Casey Family Programs have compiled up-to-date state data on child welfare, including adoption, foster care, and child maltreatment. The State Child Welfare Policy Database includes statistics on foster care and adoption, domestic violence, financing, and more, along with related state policies and definitions.
 
Click here to find Colorado's Foster Care Facts, Adoption Facts, and Child Maltreatment Facts.

Bloom:  Renewing & Refreshing Families 

 
The annual COPARC Spotlight Conference is scheduled for Friday, April 29.

As families and professionals who care for kids who have experienced trauma, you deserve a day to refresh and renew! Join The Adoption Exchange's COPARC this year for their Spotlight Conference: BLOOM. Keynote speaker is Nancy Norton, a stand-up comedian and adoptive parent known for her family focused comedy. Join other adoptive parents for a day of laughter, and leave with new tools to rejuvenate you as you continue to nurture children. The workshops will give you opportunities to gain tools for self-awareness, time to reflect and focus on self-care, and you will leave with new ideas and invigoration for this journey we're all on together.

 
Parenting Support 

Parents in the Fort Collins area wanting to improve their parenting skills can consider The Matthews House Parenting Caf�.  Located at the Community Life Center, 400 S Link Lane in Fort Collins, this free group provides a safe format for parents to improve their parenting skills.  The support groups are open on Mondays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16) and Thursdays from noon until 2:00 p.m. (March 3 & 17, April 7 & 21, May 5 & 19).
 
To register for this free group, contact Hannah Eppley at 720-631-2389 or by email at [email protected].

 
SUMMER CAMPS
Events

COCAF Night at the 
Colorado Mammoth!!!

Stay tuned for more information!!!  COCAF will have special Colorado Mammoth lacrosse tickets for an event night in April.  
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.

Jefferson County Kids Group
Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian, 11500 W. 20th Ave, Lakewood 
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.. 
RSVP to Mindy Beckler at 303-432-5205

North Adams Grandfamily Support Group
Third Thursday of the month
Brighton Police Department, 3401 E Bromley Ln, Brighton, 80601. RSVP to Janet at 303-637-8113.

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