Funds, resources for adoptive families

RBC — Now in its third year, more than 1,000 Colorado adoptive families have been assisted by Colorado Post-Adoption Resource Center (COPARC), a resource network for families who have adopted through the child welfare system.
Approximately 6,000 Colorado families are eligible for support from COPARC, which is funded by a five-year, $500,000 per year contract with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and $150,000 per year through a partnership with The Adoption Exchange.
For Judith and Brian Svegal of Castle Rock, help came as tuition to an Easter Seals camp for a disabled daughter and guitar lessons for their son. For Terri and Larry Blessman, of LaVita, parents of six children, four of them adopted, aid arrived as special contact lenses for a son and funds for a weekend respite. In Westminster, COPARC’s quarterly newsletter links Jody Domsch, mother of five, to parenting information; in Durango, Martha and Nick Schmitt, parents of three adopted children, attend COPARC-sponsored parenting classes.
In addition to these resources, COPARC provides lending libraries, seminars and other services. In 2007, COPARC also distributed more than $45,000 to counties for direct services to adoptive families for assistance not typically covered by insurance or other organizations.
“It makes life a bit easier in a tough situation,” said Terri Blessman. “The COPARC staff has been wonderful.”
Families can find out more about COPARC and apply for assistance by visiting www.adoptex.org or calling 1-800-451-5246.