This report details the activities and accomplishments of the Healthy Marriage Initiative (HMI), a program launched in 2002 by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the Department of Health and Human Services to support the President’s goal of increasing healthy marriages by focusing attention and action on strengthening marriages and preparing interested individuals […]
In recognition of the role that strong marriages play in family functioning and child well being, the Bush administration is encouraging states to establish public awareness campaigns about the value of marriage, marriage skills training programs, the elimination of disincentives to marriage, and other services for couples. This study reviewed evaluation findings about the effectiveness […]
Federal policies are encouraging states to strengthen marital relationships among low income populations as a strategy for improving child well being. Conducted to inform the design of marriage programs, this study examined the environment, setting, interventions, and client characteristics of existing services for couples. Twenty-eight visits were made to public health agencies, mental health programs, […]
This information packet on national and State marriage initiatives begins by discussing the growing trend towards marriage promotion in light of substantial research that has emerged supporting the link between marriage and poverty reduction, as well as other measures of child well being. A literature review highlights findings on the benefits of marriage and the […]
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the number of parents in prison increased significantly during the 1990s. Parental incarceration and the disruption of family relationships have several negative effects on children, including poverty, poor academic performance, aggression, depression, delinquency, and substance abuse. However, parenting programs can help mothers and fathers in prison to strengthen […]
The Department of Health and Human Services Peer Technical Assistance Network sponsored a roundtable discussion to share ideas about programs to strengthen families who are separated by parental incarceration. Government officials, service providers, and practitioners from Tennessee, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma reviewed trends in incarceration and discussed solutions to common challenges. Prisoner re-entry, recidivism, […]