Policy

 Historically, government, via public policy, has regulated marriage and divorce. For example, lawmakers have established the age at which a couple can marry and set other rules regarding who can marry whom. Similarly, government is responsible for overseeing divorce, making decisions around child custody and in some states government has required couples to access pre-divorce counseling for couples. Most recently government has invested public resources in providing supports to couples who are married or considering marriage. The NHMRC has compiled policy briefs, tips and other resources to help policymakers learn from their peers and learn about strategies/policies that support healthy marriage.

Policymakers

  • What Policymakers Can Do - Identify areas for systemic change, fund marriage/relationship education (MRE) programs and identify key leaders in your community/state.
  • Getting Started - Gather background materials and develop a plan to implement policies that support MRE.
  • What Policymakers Should Know - Key points that summarize research and dispels common misconception about policies/programs to strengthen couple relationships.
  • Lessons and Advice From Peers - Statements from those who have testified in front of legislative committees and learned lessons about what works.

Federal, State, and Local Policies

Implementation Tools

  • Sample Survey Instruments- Some policymakers have elected to survey their state/community about attitudes toward marriage and family formation to guide policy decisions.
  • Sample State Reports - Review findings from statewide surveys that summarize attitudes toward marriage/divorce and interest in MRE.
  • Sample Program Evaluations - Lessons from programs or initiatives designed to support healthy marriage.
  • Product Examples - Samples to promote the availability of MRE services in your state/community and tell people about MRE/teach core relationship skills.

Related Resources

The ideas, information and resources presented here are intended for information purposes only and do not represent endorsement or advocacy for a particular policy, program or initiative by the Healthy Marriage Resource Center or its Funders.