09 Jan
  • By timcooper
  • Cause in

Infertility: A Fact Sheet

Infertility can negatively impact couple relationships. This fact sheet provides statistics related to the incidence of infertility and the available treatment options. In addition, the impacts of infertility on marriages and couple dynamics are briefly discussed. (Author abstract)

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Making the Connection Between Healthy Marriage and Health Outcomes: What the Research Says

This research brief explores the effects of marital quality on health. It begins by citing research that getting married and being married is linked to many positive physical and mental health outcomes. Reasons for the link between marriage and good health are then explored, including the “”selection effect”” that occurs when people who are inherently […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Managing a Disruptive Participant in Your Marriage Education Program

The success of a marriage education program is built on having a proven, well-delivered curriculum offered in a setting that promotes safety and respect, and makes each participant feel valued. Even the best curriculum or the most well-designed program can be undermined if the instructors struggle with their command of the material, their presentation style, […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Operational Issues for Marriage Education Programs

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 […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Relationship Education for Unwed, Expectant Couples: Guidelines for Practitioners

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 […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage: What’s the Connection?

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 […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Training Marriage Education Practitioners

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, […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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When an Incentive Isn’t an Incentive

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 […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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A Win-Win Partnership: MRE and Child Support Enforcement

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). […]

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09 Jan
  • By timcooper
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Engaging African American Men in Healthy Marriage Services

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 […]

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