I too read another version of the story which had the additional information you referred to, BUT...
I’m not quite sure of its relevance.
What does granddad’s drug problem have to do with the grandkids walking to school? Nothing, as far as I can tell.
And as for the mom not having a valid driver’s license: OK, BAD on her, but that’s not what they arrested her for. She was charged with child abuse/neglect, not driving without a license.
It seems that having the kids walk was considered a criminal matter. That’s what strikes us all as being so strange.
The type of road is important too....how much of a shoulder.......they cited heavy traffic, under 10, cold and 3 and a half mile walk. I know I wouldn’t let me daughter walk on our road like that because of the way people drive, sight lines and lack of a shoulder.