The Healthy Marriage Initiative
The Healthy Marriage Initiative is a program of the Bush Administration that focuses on “helping couples who choose marriage for themselves develop the skills and knowledge to form and sustain healthy marriages.” The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), located within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has taken a lead role in implementing the Initiative.
The budget for FY 2006 authorizes an appropriation of up to $150 million per year for fiscal years 2006-2010 for the promotion of healthy marriages and responsible fatherhood. ACF’s Healthy Marriage website has additional information about these grants, as well as information about the African American Healthy Marriage Initiative, the Hispanic Healthy Marriage Initiative and the Native American Healthy Marriage Initiative.
Through the Healthy Marriage Inititative, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has undertaken a national demonstration project to promote marriage strengthening activities among refugee communities. USCCB, through its Migration and Refugee Services Office (MRS), has been awarded funding under this program to administer several projects around the country. More information about the project and specific sites is available on the MRS website. Kimberly Haynes in Migration and Refugee Services coordinates the project on marriage strengthening in refugee communities. Kimberly can also provide updated information on the Healthy Marriage Initiative. Contact her at 202-541-3264.
The ACF website provides information to help those interested in applying for grants through the Healthy Marriage Initiative. Additional information is available from Bill Coffin, Special Assistant for Marriage Education, bcoffin@acf.hhs.gov, 202-260-1550.
Also, you can find more information through the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center website.
In addition, Rick McCord and Sheila Garcia, staff to the Bishops’ Marriage and Family Committee, are continuing their involvement in the project. Contact them at 202-541-3040.