Research overwhelmingly shows that there is no adequate replacement for the positive effects that accrue from growing up in an intact family. Despite longstanding and costly attempts, no government program has proven more effective than a married, two-parent family for building social capital and preventing intractable problems across society.

Healthy families are at the heart of our churches and civic institutions which have historically provided for the needs of the less fortunate among us. That is why it is so troubling that marriage rates continue to decline, divorce rates are on the rise, and childbirths outside of marriage have also continued to grow. While this trend costs taxpayers over $100 billion annually, the costs in terms of human suffering is immeasurable. Our work at GCO has long focused on how to help families successfully form and remain healthy.