Building Strong Families: Guidelines for Developing Programs

Mathematica and other experts working with the BSF team are helping agencies plan targeted healthy marriage initiatives for unwed couples who are about to or who have just had a baby. These guidelines will help interested sponsors design and deliver program services. In addition, the guidelines detail the three program components that all BSF programs must include: instruction in skills associated with healthy marriage, family support services, and family coordinators. The publication also describes an optional fourth component to reduce marriage disincentives created by government programs and policies.