Marriage, Fatherhood and Family Formation

Marriage, Fatherhood and Family Formation

Research has found that marriage, family structure and father involvement all have a direct impact on child well-being. States are beginning to explore programs that strengthen marriage, encourage responsible fatherhood and provide parenting skills to low-income parents as a component of their welfare services. These policies stem from the goal of the federal welfare reform act that encourages the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

Frequently asked questions about state initiations to strengthen marriage and two-parent families.

See NCSL's Family Law page for more information and resources on covenant marriage, marriage licenses, same sex marriage, divorce, custody and visitation laws, domestic violence, and state efforts to help children in violent families.

State Legislation to Strengthen Marriage

In recent years, many state legislators have introduced legislation aimed at strengthening marriage. Legislation has been introduced to create marriage commissions, create incentives for engaged couples to participate in pre-marital education and for states to conduct pilot marriage education programs. NCSL provides links to some introduced and enacted legislation.

NCSL policy on Low-Income Fathers- Developed through the Assembly on Federal Issues, Human Services Committee.

State Poverty Policies Newsletter (July/August 2003)

State Poverty Policies, Volume 1, No. 4, features an article on programs for low-income fathers and a description of two innovative local programs - one that serves SSI applicants and one for individuals with health problems that hinder work. It also includes information on the most recent TANF extension and summaries of news articles and research related to child well-being and welfare.

Welfare and Wedding Vows (April 2003, State Legislatures Magazine)

Some legislators want to use welfare funds to strengthen marriages; others have questions.

State Poverty Policies Newsletter (March/April 2003)

State Poverty Policies, Volume 2, features an article on fragile families and marriage, trends in human services budget cuts and individual development accounts. It also includes new information on recent developments in the federal welfare reauthorization debate and summaries of welfare-related news articles and research.

Strengthening Marriage and Two-Parent Families (February 2003, State Policy Choices, by Courtney Jarchow)

Many policymakers are considering using TANF funds for state marriage initiatives. Research indicates that healthy marriages have positive affects on children, adults and communities. This policy brief highlights some of the research and examines state policy options designed to encourage healthy marriage, strengthen fragile families, improve marriageability and talk to welfare recipients about the importance of two-parent families.

Domestic Violence and Welfare Reform (July 2001)

Although domestic violence occurs in all socioeconomic classes, women on welfare are especially likely to be affected. The Family Violence Option was included in the 1996 welfare reforms to allow states to this barrier without penalty while they provide services.

Additional NCSL resources on Domestic Violence are available at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/cyf/dv.htm

10 Things States Can Do to Help Low-Income Fathers-Learn what your state can do to help low-income fathers provide the emotional and financial support that their children need and deserve.

Connecting Low-Income Fathers and Families-For a complete guide to practical policies, click here. For quick facts for policymakers interested in fatherhood, click here.

For more information on welfare reform issues, please contact Jack Tweedie in the Denver office at 303.364.7700 or cyf-info@ncsl.org or either Sheri Steisel or Lee Posey in the D.C. office at 202.624.5400 or fedhumserv-info@ncsl.org