Brief
This brief discusses the need to delay early or unplanned fatherhood, and calls on policy makers intensify their focus on the responsibilities of men in preventing teen and unplanned pregnancy by addressing pregnancy planning and prevention in federally funded programs serving significant numbers of men, and reaching men more effectively in family planning programs. It recommends pregnancy planning and prevention be included as a component of such programs as responsible fatherhood, healthy relationships and marriage, education and workforce development, juvenile justice, and re-entry…
Brief
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 about this new policy development:1. What are the reasons why government should get involved in what is surely a private matter or a matter for individuals, couples and faith-based institutions? Why should marriage and couple…
This brief offers recommendations for working with faith-based organizations to support State or local Healthy Marriage Initiatives. It explains that faith communities can offer a solid base of volunteers who are invested and passionate and who can be empowered and equipped to carry on the sustained work of healthy marriage programs. Recommendations are then discussed and include: remember to value places of faith because of the key role they play in strengthening marriages; find a representative within the organization to help you navigate its politics; engage key religious leaders as early…
There are many opportunities for those in marriage education to work with the business community. Marriage education practitioners may want to partner with businesses to solicit monetary donations for program operations, in-kind donations or to incentivize participation (if their grant allows). Others would like to provide healthy marriage and relationship education services to a company's employees. Once you determine the purpose of your association with the company, you need to be able to communicate effectively with its leadership. The following provides some tips for connecting with…
There are a number of areas that marriage and relationship education program providers must address when designing and implementing a program for Native American communities. There have been a number of lessons learned from Native American cultural experts and program practitioners who have developed culturally relevant marriage education programs. These services can be effective for Native Americans living on reservations and for those who are not.There is great diversity within the Native American community. The various tribes have distinct traditions, customs and languages. This Tip Sheet…
Although Asian Americans represent different populations in terms of culture, language and immigration trends, they share many similarities in values and belief systems such as a cultural emphasis on education, natural healing, family harmony and respect of human dignity. For purposes of this Tip Sheet, the terms Asian and Asian American are interchangeable; include Pacific Islanders; and can reflect either new immigrants, immigrants who have been residing in the U.S. for an extended period of time, or people with Asian heritage who could be 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation. Further, the great…
Recruiting and retaining men from any culture in a family services program or entity that has traditionally served women and children can, at best, be considered a token gesture. Admittedly, there are many emotions surrounding the topic of how to get men to do what they are "supposed to do!" Agencies designed to serve men are scarce, and professionals dedicated to understanding male issues are rare commodities. In addition, men do not tend to line up for services delivered by organizations, agencies, counselors, group therapists, marriage educators and/or ministers for family strengthening.…
There is not consensus among practitioners or researchers as to who is/is not appropriate for MRE. However, most MRE programs are not generally designed to work with highly distressed couples (Retrouvaille is one such program) or those requiring intensive intervention (for issues related to substance abuse, mental health problems, infidelity, etc.). In fact, MRE is typically considered a "prevention program"?providing couples with information and skills to avoid the pitfalls that may lead to chronic conflict and tension that requires more intensive interventions.Some MRE practitioners have…
Marriage education generally offers useful skills for couples. Nevertheless, practitioners may need to adapt curriculum materials to help participants learn and remember lessons. This tip sheet provides strategies for fine tuning programs toward the African American community. The tips can be applied to any curriculum, but it is important to note that marriage educators should know their audience in order to determine which strategies will create the most positive results. (Author abstract)
There is a large spectrum of government services and programs that can be included in healthy marriage programs. The natural and immediate thoughts go to the human services field; however, there are many other areas that offer opportunities for healthy marriage/relationship programs. These include corrections and criminal justice, juvenile justice, health programs (including Medicaid and mental health), education, as well as Head Start/Early Head Start. Within human services, programs that serve refugee families, TANF families and protect children (child welfare) are logical partners, too.…
