This report reviews the importance of local community coalitions for implementing a healthy marriage initiative in Grand Rapids, MI. The "Healthy Marriage, Healthy Relationships" Initiative began in 2003, and researchers provide information on…

This article outlines marriage penalties and the effect these penalties can have on low-income families. Despite recent policy reforms, these penalties still remain for mostly low-to-moderate income families. Authors offer suggestions for…

This Brookings Institute Policy brief reviews federal and state initiatives that promote family formation and health marriages. The article tells how to identify effective programs to promote marriage, which benefits the overall wellbeing of…

In light of welfare reform, HHS has devoted funds to the Healthy Marriage Initiative. Because of the debate surrounding marriage education, this article seeks to answer what exactly is marriage education and if it is working. Marriage is seen to…

From the National Governor's Association, Center for Best Practices, this article reviews marriage education programs across States, which seek to ultimately improve outcomes for families and children. Research shows that children raised in, two-…

This report presents the findings of a groundbreaking large-scale national study of mothers' beliefs and concerns. A representative sample of more than 2,000 mothers of children under the age of 18 were asked what they think and feel about…

This article describes the HHS ACF effort to focus on programs that strengthen marriages, and ultimately, improve child well-being, and provides information on and links to recent studies that reflect the large-scale research agenda of the ACF.…

This policy brief explores the question of creating policies to encourage marriage in terms of TANF. The general agreement is made that federal and state policies should not penalize marriage. It explores the effect of TANF program rules on…

Authored by Jennifer Ehrle Macomber, Julie Murray, and Matthew Stagner. This Urban Institute report highlights key components of current marriage education programs, identifies opportunities and challenges for expanding services into other…

Authored by David J. Fein, Nancy R. Burstein, Greta G. Fein, and Laura D. Lindberg. This report has been produced by Abt Associates and is grounded in the recognition that interventions to promote healthy marriages and strengthen families with…