This report discusses findings from an evaluation of eight organizations that implemented the Building Strong Families (BSF) program, a program designed to teach relationship skills to unmarried, romantically-involved couples who were expecting or had recently had a baby. For the evaluation, over 5,000 interested couples were randomly assigned to either a BSF group that could […]
This brief explains the Healthy Marriage (HM) field that has its roots in marriage and relationship research and education in the 1950s and 1960s. The promotion of marriage and the reduction of out-of-wedlock childbearing as federal policy goals under the welfare reform legislation in 1996 is discussed, as well as the launch of the national […]
In the late 1990s, a handful of states began to fund healthy marriage and relationship (HMR) programs and initiatives intended as a promising new strategy for strengthening families and improving child well-being. The states were soon followed by the federal government, which launched a healthy marriage initiative in 2002. The following questions initially were raised […]
Healthy marriage policy and programs are the ""new kid on the block"" in social policy. In the mid-90s several states and communities began to engage in marriage-related reforms and services designed to strengthen marriage and reduce divorce rates. In 2002, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) launched a Healthy Marriage Initiative and began funding […]
This brief offers recommendations from an Oklahoma State policymaker on managing a statewide Healthy Marriage Initiative. Information is provided on the development of the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI), the goals of the program, and the strategies used. Recommendations include: deliver evidence-based or research informed services; be prepared to change based on emerging research; include potential […]
Asking your partner to attend a relationship education workshop might suggest that you think something is wrong or that you’re not happy in your relationship, even if that is not the case. Marriage and relationship education is a fantastic support for couples who are looking to improve an already good relationship or couples who may […]
Healthy relationships are nonviolent and allow both men and women to express themselves without fear of being belittled, criticized or having their opinion diminished. The field of marriage education has looked to domestic violence experts to discern how to talk with couples about what is/is not healthy and what to watch for that could signal […]
This website provides resources for facilitators teaching marriage and relationship education classes. Links are given for information that addresses adult learning styles and dealing with difficult class participants, as well as for quizzes for assessing learning styles and teaching styles. Descriptions of three different types of class activities is provided, including activities designed to break […]
Designed for marriage practitioners, this brief explains the importance of commitment in marriage. Strategies that can be shared with couples to enhance their commitment are listed and include: create a commitment statement, greet each other personally and physically each day, talk and stay connected about hopes, dreams, and stresses, spend both quality and quantity time […]
This brief defines forgiveness and then explains the difficulties facilitators may encounter when teaching forgiveness in marriage and relationship (MRE) education classes. Strategies that can be shared with couples are listed and include: reflect on your mutual behaviors during the day and focus on actions that are life-giving and kind, spend little time reflecting on […]