Strengthening Fragile Families – BrookingsThe rise of fragile families—families that begin when a child is born outside of marriage—is one of the nation’s most vexing social problems. In the first place, these families suffer high poverty rates and poor child outcomes. Even more problematic, the very groups of Americans who traditionally experience poverty, impaired child development, and poor school achievement have the highest rates of nonmarital parenthood—thus intensifying the disadvantages faced by these families and extending them into the next generation.
Redirecting Welfare Policy Toward Building Strong Families.Strengthening Families – Urban Institute
This brief argues that welfare reform has not gone far enough to encourage two-parent families and responsible fatherhood. In fact, some of its own policies discourage this behavior. Furthermore, many poor families with young children are already struggling to stay together against the odds. Eventually, the majority of these families break up. By intervening early, government could help these fragile families scale the most common barriers to remaining intact over the long haul.
Tossed on a Sea of Change: A Status Update on the Responsible Fatherhood Field
As a result of changing funding requirements, rapidly evolving program priorities, and increasing demands for evidence-based practice, the field of responsible fatherhood has, in some sense, lost its center of gravity. It has been “tossed on a sea of change.” Ron Mincy assesses the field and helps chart the course for the future.
