Marriage and Children

  ACF (Administration for Children and Families) Healthy Marriage Mission

“To encourage marriage and promote the well-being of children, I have proposed a healthy marriage initiative to help couples develop the skills and knowledge to form and sustain healthy marriages. Research has shown that, on average, children raised in households headed by married parents fare better than children who grow up in other family structures. Through education and counseling programs, faith-based, community, and government organizations promote healthy marriages and a better quality of life for children. By supporting responsible child-rearing and strong families, my Administration is seeking to ensure that every child can grow up in a safe and loving home.”   — President George W. Bush

In 1996 Congress made the following findings:

Marriage is the foundation of a successful society.  Marriage is an essential institution of a successful society which promotes the interests of children.

In order to encourage States to strengthen marriages, Congress stipulated that three of the four purposes of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant to states be either directly or indirectly related to promoting healthy marriages. Congress is considering setting aside up to $200 million a year in federal funds to help couples form and sustain healthy marriages. In addition, President Bush is requesting $40 million annually in mandatory funds for a responsible fatherhood program.

Helping couples form and sustain healthy marriages is not, in itself, an anti-poverty program. Employment is the main anti-poverty program. Research has shown, however, that stable marriages are associated with more stable employment and higher wages. Helping couples form and sustain healthy marriages should, therefore, be part of the overall strategy to help families become or remain economically self-sufficient. In addition, researchers have found that, on average, men, women and children do better physically and emotionally in healthy marriages.

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that 90% of all Americans will someday marry. Virtually all who marry aspire to a happy, healthy, lifelong marriage. ACF believes that government policy should play a supporting role in helping people achieve their aspirations for a healthy marriage.