A cultural shift is occurring that bodes well forAmerica’s children. After four decades of treating society’s ills with more government spending,elected officials, social scientists, community leaders,and policymakers across the ideological spectrum admit that strong marriages-not government largesse-are key to improving both personal and social well-being. Social science research is showing that children in married families are healthier, perform better in school, and are involved less frequently in crime or other destructive behaviors. Much has been done over the past few decades to understand the benefits of marriage, and good programs exist to help couples prepare for marriage.State and local officials should take advantage of what the social science research and the records of “”best practices”” programs teach. Divorce at community levels can be reduced by 30 percent through community programs to strengthen marriage.Abstinence before marriage will increase with the right programs, and proper attention on marriage in the media can help to change cultural attitudes.