Children who grow up in single-parent homes

are less likely to marry,

more likely to divorce, and more likely to have children outside of wedlock

Visit:

www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage

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Program Objectives

• Increase youth knowledge about benefits of marriage using culturally sensitive programs and strategies.

• Use media to change attitudes.

• Increase student motivation and self-esteem.

• Effect education and social policies regarding marriage in the state and educational system.

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Program Goals

• Reducing barriers to successful marriage

• Demonstrating a positive image of marriage

• Challenging media and TV portrayals

• Providing teens with option to consider marriage

• Countering negative effects and attitudes (sometimes from single parents)

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Benefits for Children

Researchers have found many benefits for children and youth who are raised by parents in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:

• More likely to attend college

• More likely to succeed academically

• Physically healthier

• Emotionally healthier

• Less likely to attempt or commit suicide

• Demonstrate less behavioral problems in school

• Less likely to be a victim of physical or sexual abuse

• Less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol

• Less likely to commit delinquent behaviors

• Have a better relationship with their mothers and fathers

• Decreases their chances of divorcing when they get married

• Less likely to become pregnant as a teenager, or impregnate someone.

• Less likely to be sexually active as teenagers

• Less likely to contract STD's

• Less likely to be raised in poverty

For marriage benefits for children, women, men and communities, log on to http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/about/mission.html#ms