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The CO4Kids campaign is deeply committed to listening attentively to and valuing the voices and experiences of the young people who have experienced foster care in Colorado. Their perspectives help guide our mission and actions. We strive to honor their unique insights and ensure their contributions shape our decisions and initiatives.
In this video, Maddie and Elizabeth discuss some of the challenges around being a teen in foster care and the adults in their lives who supported them through those challenges in addition to some of the successes they have had in their lives.
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Youth Voices: Meet Lizbeth and Casey
In this video, Lizbeth and Casey discuss some common misconceptions about foster care and the resources they had access to while in foster care.
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 Since the fall of 2022, the Colorado Implementation Science Unit has been partnering with communities across Colorado to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of child welfare/maltreatment prevention services. These services aim to keep children safely with their families and out of foster care.
Social Media Spotlight: Talking to Children About Sexual Abuse
 At what age should you talk to your child about sexual abuse? It’s best to start talking as early as possible. This post contains some basic information for parents and caretakers. Share this information with other parents and caregivers so they know.
Colorado organizations serving children and families who would like to have their work highlighted in a future CO4Kids Instagram reel can reach out to Public Awareness Communications Specialist, Carla Rodríguez, carla.a.rodriguez@state.co.us.
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The 2024 International Virtual Conference: A Call to Action to Change Child Welfare aims to unite global practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and advocates to advance justice and fairness for children, youth, and families. Featuring keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and facilitated discussions, this event is a pivotal platform for sharing innovative strategies and fostering collaboration. The conference will spotlight diverse perspectives and evidence-based practices crucial for transforming child welfare systems worldwide. Participants can expect meaningful dialogue aimed at addressing systemic challenges and driving impactful change in the field.
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Cannabis Webinar Series
 Session 1: Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding: What Have We Learned?
Thursday | July 18 | 10–11am (PT) / 1-2pm (ET)
Register
Session 2: Understanding Safety and Risk Concerns for Infants, Children, and Adolescents When Parents Use Cannabis
Thursday | July 25 | 10–11:30am (PT) / 1–2:30 pm (ET)
Register
Cannabis remains one of the world’s most widely consumed substances. Center for Children and Family Futures (CCFF) designed this webinar series especially for child welfare, dependency court, substance use disorder treatment, and health care professionals working with families. Both sessions feature expert panelists examining the effects of parental cannabis use during the prenatal period, in the home environment, and on adolescent development. Join us as they share practice considerations for family service systems when parental use is a factor.
Session 1 examines prenatal and postpartum cannabis use as well as its effects on neonatal outcomes. Learn:
- How prevalent is cannabis use during pregnancy and what are the reported reasons for use?
- What does current research say about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- What strategies can professionals use when working with pregnant people and family members to mitigate the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy?
Session 2 focuses on the effects of parental use on infants, children, and adolescents.
Learn:
- How are states and other jurisdictions serving infants, children, and adolescents affected by parental cannabis use?
- What are the environmental safety and risk concerns when parents use cannabis?
- What are some practice approaches and strategies for professionals working with parents, caregivers, and family members using cannabis?
CEUs are available for each session!
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 In preparation for National Adoption Month in November, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is asking individuals, counties, child placement agencies (CPAs) and tribes to recognize dedicated adoptive parents and adoptive kinship caregivers.
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 This year, students at the Campus at Lookout Mountain, under the guidance of Clare McKendry, School Social Worker, planted seeds in the CALM greenhouse to supply starter plants to several other DYS facilities. The project began in March when students started tomatoes, peppers, and basil plants. Throughout the following month, cucumbers and squash were also started, and students tended to tomato and pepper seedlings by separating them into their own "individual homes." Students discussed how growing plants to distribute to the DYS community helped them feel like they were giving back to youth across the state. This past month, Restorative Justice Community Specialist Mike Caires took on the process of distributing plants and made deliveries to Zeb Pike, Spring Creek, Platte Valley, Prairie Vista, Marvin Foote, the Gilliam, CAMV, and Pueblo Youth Services Center.
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Family First Resources
County Implementation Guide
Request a Family First training - we'll customize a training specific to your audience
Family First - one place for Family First resources
Careers
New! Quality Improvement Administrative Review Coordinator (ASA IV), Denver County
New! Foster Care Lead Worker: Therapeutic Foster Care and Training, Boulder County
New! Caseworker Supervisor, Routt County
New! Protection Services Administrator, Teller County
New! Social Caseworker III - Intake, Teller County
New! Foster Care Coordinator, Envoi Associates
New! Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Envoi Associates
New! Wraparound Facilitator, Envoi Associates
New! Early Childhood Initiatives Manager - CPTF, Illuminate Colorado
Professional Development Coach - Arapahoe County
Social Caseworker I-II, Moffat County
Have a job opening you want to share in a future newsletter? Email adrienne.baxter@state.co.us
Upcoming Foster Care Information Meetings
Add your information meeting to the CO4Kids.org calendar.
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Copyright © 2024 CDHS Office of Children Youth and Families, All rights reserved.
You received this email because you subscribed to a newsletter published by CO4Kids and the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF). You may have also been added after joining a professional board, committee or affinity group we coordinate. We send regular updates about our work in child welfare, domestic violence, comprehensive sexual health education, juvenile justice and more.
Our mailing address is:
CDHS Office of Children Youth and Families
1575 Sherman St.
Denver, Co 80203
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