West Virginia Healthy Families Initiative
“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, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provides funding of $150 million each year for healthy marriage promotion and fatherhood.
Key requirements of the law specify that:
Funds may be used for competitive research and demonstration projects to test promising approaches to encourage healthy marriages and promote involved, committed, and responsible fatherhood by public and private entities and also for providing technical assistance to States and Tribes.
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Applicants for funds must commit to consult with experts in domestic violence; applications must describe how programs will address issues of domestic violence and ensure that participation is voluntary.
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Healthy marriage promotion awards must be used for eight specified activities, including marriage education, marriage skills training, public advertising campaigns, high school education on the value of marriage and marriage mentoring programs.
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Not more than $50 million each year may be used for activities promoting fatherhood, such as counseling, mentoring, marriage education, enhancing relationship skills, parenting, and activities to foster economic stability.
Mission Statement
To help couples, who have chosen marriage for themselves, gain greater access to marriage education services, on a voluntary basis, where they can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage.
West Virginia
The Mission of the West Virginia Healthy Families/Healthy Children Initiative is to promote activities that support and enhance the well-being of West Virginia Families and Children through the development and maintenance of marriage and family skills education.
Objectives include:
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Providing relationship education to promote healthy families and healthy marriages
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Enhancing the well-being of West Virginia families and children through development of positive, healthy and nurturing family environments
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Developing and supporting a “grassroots” level community involvement to support and encourage strong families
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Educating youth and young adults on how to develop and maintain healthy relationships while dating, engaged, and preparing for marriage.
- Promoting public awareness to communities on the value of healthy marriages.
To learn more about West Virginia's Healthy Families Initiative visit their website at http://hfhc-wv.org/
