NCJ Number
172509
Journal
Children's Voice Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1998) Pages: 25-27
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reviews recent changes in Pennsylvania law regarding grandparents' right to seek custody of grandchildren in their care.
Abstract
A Pennsylvania woman attempting to obtain legal custody of her grandson from his drug-addicted mother found that State law did not guarantee her that right. So, she and others concerned about child welfare issues formed a support group, Second Time Around Parents, to spread the word about need for a grandparent community. That program now includes the original group of approximately 20 persons, a therapy group, and a drug and alcohol prevention program for grandchildren. In addition, the group spent 6 years working for a bill that would allow grandparents to enter the court system for custody purposes. Signed and enacted in October 1996, the final legislation gives grandparents the right to seek child custody in cases of emotional, physical, or mental abuse of the child; parental drug addiction or mental incompetence; when the child has resided with the grandparents for more than 12 months; or if the grandparents deem it necessary.