Currently six percent of children live in a grandparent headed household. Whatever the reason and situation, these grandparents face a range of difficulties, including legal and policy challenges. Many organizations which provide services for both generations are not prepared to deal with the special needs and situations presented.
Legal options are limited and emotionally draining and financially expensive.
Few attorneys are familiar with the relevant laws. In most states, statutes are not responsive to the evolving needs of grandparents who wish to have more temporary or permanent rights. North Iowa, and Parents United jointly worked to sponsor the second local satellite downlink , called Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal and Policy Issues, nationally sponsored by University of Wisconsin Extension, AARP, Purdue Extension, and The Brookdale Foundation Group for grandparents and agencies working with grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. This satellite program was held at the Cerro Gordo Extension office with a limited capacity of 35 people. 3 participants said they planned to work with others to provide educational programs and 7 participants plan to advocate for changes in state and local laws.