This brief reviews trends in family structure in the United States and implications for children, adults, and society. Data is shared on rates of divorce, nonmarital births, and nonmarital cohabitation. Statistics are cited that indicate the probability of marriages ending in divorce increased more or less continuously until 1990 and then stabilized; between 43% and […]
This fact sheet notes the diversity of the Asian American population and explores trends in marriage and intermarriage rates in the Asian community. Statistics are reported that indicate: all Asian ethnic groups living in the U.S. have a greater than 60% marriage rate; compared to other racial groups, the Asian marriage rate is most similar […]
For those who are new to workshop delivery, the logistics can demand equal time and preparation. A potential participant’s first impression of your program can be the deciding factor in their involvement. Regardless of how helpful your program may be; neglecting factors like comfort, convenience and environment can negatively impact perceptions of and participation in […]
Couples having a baby are an audience who benefit greatly from marriage/relationship education (MRE). Having a baby is an especially important opportunity for unmarried couples to assess their relationships. To keep unmarried couples involved in your MRE program, it is beneficial to respect that they are facing many difficult choices and that you are there […]
Marriage and relationship education (MRE) and responsible fatherhood (RF) programs share the goal of improving the lives of children by strengthening the interpersonal skills of their parents. The origins of these program areas are distinct: MRE began primarily as a way to prepare couples for marriage whereas RF was originally designed to prepare unmarried fathers […]
Marriage educators are the face of your marriage and relationship education program. Proper training is critical to your program’s success. These individuals must have the knowledge and skills to appropriately respond to questions about the curriculum, identify unhealthy (and potentially violent) relationships, set boundaries, and effectively facilitate and/or present information. This is no small task, […]
An incentive, for purposes of this Tip Sheet, means a reward available for participating in a marriage education program. An incentive may have direct value, like a restaurant gift card, or may have an indirect value, like a certificate of completion for a free/reduced marriage license. Incentives can be for each couple, participant or just […]
The nation’s Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program is a federal/state/tribal/local partnership to promote family self-sufficiency and child well-being. In most states, approximately half of all child support orders are established and enforced by a federal and state financed child support enforcement entity known as the IV-D program (from Title IV-D of the Social Security Act). […]
Recruiting and retaining men from any culture in a family services program or entity that has traditionally served women and children can, at best, be considered a token gesture. Admittedly, there are many emotions surrounding the topic of how to get men to do what they are “supposed to do!” Agencies designed to serve men […]
This fact sheet explores marital challenges adults may face when their adult children leave the home, including feelings of depression, sadness, and grief. Symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome are described, as well as the challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation that is taking care of their own children while taking care of their aging parents, […]