Ways Government and Institutions can strengthen marriage and families 

From an article by The Institute of Family Studies

[This blog takes the ideas and research from the original article which is focused on the USA and suggests application in the UK.]

The decision to get married and start a family is not merely a private choice- it is a public good with profound consequences for children, parents, communities, and Government budgets. As family fragmentation rises and its costs ripple across our communities, shouldn't Government ask a practical question: What can government do - without overreach - to strengthen families before they fracture?

Across the USA, several states have been experimenting with prevention-based approaches that support healthy marriages, reduce unnecessary divorce, and help families flourish. The following policy ideas highlight promising, evidence-based strategies, and marriage promotion policies that a Government or institutions should adopt to promote stronger families and better outcomes for adults and children alike:

1. Reduce marriage fees for couples who get premarital counselling

Research indicates that couples who complete marriage preparation - an approved relationship education course - enjoy a 30% increase in marital satisfaction compared to those who do not. These benefits extend beyond just the couple. One study found that well-implemented premarital education programs were associated with a reduction in divorces and led to public cost savings of more than £200M in a year.

For couples embarking on second or third marriages, these courses could be modified for new marriages involving children - a co-parenting class for marriages where children are already present in order to equip couples with best practices for step-parenting.

2. Incorporate the Success Sequence into schools

Schools need to make students aware of the benefits of finishing secondary school, securing employment, and getting married before having children. Millennials who followed this ‘success sequence’ have a 97% chance of avoiding poverty. Informing students of the path most likely to maximize their potential and reduce their chances of living in poverty provides young people with both information and agency.

3. Promote Relationship Education

Equip citizens with essential skills needed for healthy marriages by making relationship education widely available to all populations, both in the classroom and beyond - specific modules for different cohorts. For example, a school-based curriculum for pupils focused on emotions, healthy dating, communication, conflict resolution, and avoiding toxic behaviours. Versions for those applying for benefits, families involved with child welfare, as well as inmates in prison. Offer this material to community members so that healthy relationships and marriage can be promoted consistently and uniformly as a pathway to societal and economic well-being.

4. Evaluate policy proposals through the lens of healthy family formation

Require a family impact statement for all proposed regulation and legislation. Mandating this type of analysis ensures that legislators are mindful of how proposed policies might impact the most fundamental unit of society.

5. Mandate a divorce orientation/parenting course for divorcing parents

Children struggling to cope with divorce are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, academic failure, and other negative outcomes. As a result, require divorcing parents of minor children to take parenting courses designed to reduce conflict, facilitate cooperative co-parenting, and inform divorcing parents of the factors that lead to resilience among children.

Also include the potential benefits of avoiding divorce into these mandated courses - covering the topic of parental reconciliation. Research increasingly indicates that for one-third of couples going through divorce, one or both partners express interest in reconciling.

As Governments and institutions search for ways to combat poverty, improve child well-being, and reduce public spending, they should consider proactively investing in marriages and families. They can build on existing, proven marriage-friendly policy approaches. By shifting interventions upstream and equipping individuals and couples with information, skills, and support at key moments, Government and institutions can reduce family fragmentation while generating significant social and fiscal benefits.

Read the original article here.