View Resource Link >

This testimony before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy focuses on the benefits of healthy marriage education initiatives. Information is shared on the bipartisan support of strengthening marriage initiatives, components of a healthy marriage, different types of marriage education initiatives, and findings from research that demonstrate the positive effects of marriage and relationship education efforts with couples. Specific benefits of education about marriage and family relationships are explained and include: helping people learn about key risks early enough to take action to lower them, helping people understand the benefits of healthy marriage as a foundation for family life, and helping people become aware of other resources that may be of use for a range of difficulties they may face. The advantages of marriage education for those who are economically disadvantaged are also discussed, along with best practices in healthy marriage education. 36 references.