HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Legislation designed to make it easier for grandparents and other relatives raising children because of the opioid crisis or other drug- or alcohol-related problems is taking effect in Pennsylvania.
Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf signed a pair of bills Tuesday, including a measure to provide temporary guardianship in three-month increments when parents are unable to care for their children.
It applies to grandparents, aunts and uncles and adult siblings.
They can seek a court order for temporary guardianship if the parent is in a rehab program for drugs or alcohol, or has had emergency medical intervention for drugs or alcohol.
The other new law sets up the Kinship Caregiver Navigator Program to provide information about support and services for grandparents and others caring for children.