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Different states have different laws. While it is true that the point of foster care is to allow bio-families to get their acts together, it is also true that a grandparent who allowed their granddaughter to be in a stranger's foster home instead of claiming her right away is not going to be looked on as favorably as a grandparent who stepped up to the plate and wanted the granddaughter in their home right away. All states do have a period of time in which bio family would be considered ahead of the foster family - many states also have a period of time that can elapse after which the family who currently is raising the child has more rights than bio family. Often that "switch" occurs at either a year of having the child in their care, or termination of parental rights, although some states have different times. Either way, every day you delay is a day that the case for leaving the child where she is becomes stronger.
If you were not told of your granddaughter's whereabouts, or had other extenuating circumstances, then it may be possible to get custody of her even if that time has expired. If you simply delayed because you didn't want to interfere until you were certain she was adoptable, then you might not be able to.
Either way, you need to follow the same steps as any other adoptive family. Notify your own Dept of Social Services of the situation and get certified as quickly as possible. That same day notify the child's caseworker of who you are, and your intent to claim her, why you delayed until now, and the fact that you have already begun the certification process.
Good luck!
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