One in ten grandparents have been the primary support of a grandchild at sometime in their lives. 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 and 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. The program is targeted to grandparents who care for grandchildren and to individuals and agencies that provide services to grandparents or grandchildren. The program will be available in any community through local agencies and organizations who register as a site. Through this national videoconference, grandparents raising grandchildren and professionals who serve them from across the country will come together at local sites to share concerns, explore options, and discuss potential local or state action. A local site facilitator will help participants interact with and question the presenters by telephone or fax.