Another will be opening in a rural location in the area. The next step is to find funding to expand the centers, she said. At the center, grandparents and other relatives could determine which legal and financial options are best for them. Richard Hoyt, a Tucson paralegal and director of the local Grandparents United group, said each family must consider its own issues in deciding what legal action to take, whether it be temporary or permanent guardianship or adoption. Holding legal guardianship opens the door to more benefits as well as protecting the children, Hoyt said.
Grandparents are often reluctant to seek legal protection.
But if there's any chance that it's more than a weekend drop-off, you must protect the child. The center could also help grandparents determine what financial resources are available. Melrood gave the example of Child Only grants from the government's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. Another hurdle grandparents face is to find counseling for their grandchildren and themselves. The center would help families with these resources as well, Melrood said.