Colorado Collaborative for Families through Diversity and Inclusiveness

Denver, CO, March 15, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The Colorado Department of Human Services, Denver Department of Human Services and Adoption Options have collaborated on behalf of families through diversity and inclusiveness. The partnership began in 2013 at a Human Rights event for families in the LGBT community. Together, the organizations pooled resources and talents to organize an adoptive family forum of successful adoptions in the LGBT community. The event brought together past, present and potential adoptive families and adoption professionals and created an environment where they were able to network, ask and answer questions and learn about the adoption process.

This event marked the first of many networking events focusing on specific diverse communities such as: LGBTQ, Latino, African American, Transracial Families and Youth. In 2012, Adoption Options earned the All Children – All Families Seal of Recognition. Since then, we have expanded our resources for working with LGBT families and have new resources for serving LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care. One of the benefits of being an HRC-recognized Leader is being able to reach HRC’s network of over 1 million members and supporters in the U.S.

The LGBTQ Summit: Connecting Families in the LGBT Community has been scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 1-5 p.m. at Holiday Event Center at 2644 W. 32nd Ave. in Denver, CO. This event will provide more resources to educate and train adoptive families at all stages of the adoption process. Speakers include: Congressman Jessie Ulibarri, representatives from the Office of Children Youth and Families for the State of Colorado and multiple adoptive/foster families in all stages of the adoption and foster process. This event will provide more resources and vendors that can help educate and train adoptive families and provide a better understanding of our different programs while defining what exactly an adoptive parent and foster parent are.

Together, the organizations have committed to working based on the following principles:
We are committed to having a family–centered approach to all of our events/initiatives;
We will treat all of the diverse families in Colorado with respect and dignity;
Partnering organizations are subject matter experts whom will be developing and supporting each of the events, symposiums, content and curriculum;
Adolescence, Permanency and youth perspective will be an integral part of the our collaborative events and initiatives;
We will educate and support our families through their foster care and adoption journey before, during and after;
Our events and initiatives will adhere to the federal outcomes of Safety, Permanency and Well-being;
We represent the needs of the community and various populations and support the best interest of the families and children within that community.

We want to make sure all community members receive the resources and tools they need for a successful adoptive family. Please contact Adoption Options if you have any questions regarding this partnership or our upcoming events.