Jackson County Healthy Marrıage Agreement
County Leadership Statement

Preamble

Whereas a wide spectrum of community leaders in Jackson County have recognized and documented social, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs rooted in the instability of the family unit;

Whereas the most fragile members of our society are the children of families in crisis;

Whereas the enormity of human need that confronts us significantly challenges the resources of all who provide services to family units and their members;

In heartfelt response, we the members of the political community, the legal community, the social services community, the educational community, and an inclusive representation of the faith community witness that we desire together to create a positive awareness of the value of marriage, encourage a thorough preparation for those who choose marriage, provide enrichment opportunities for married couples, and to give every possible support and intervention to those couples who may find their marriage in crisis.

We Believe:

• That strong healthy marriages enrich and strengthen our community.
• In the significance of a robust marriage to healthy families and children.
• The destructive impact of broken families contributes significantly to poverty, personal and emotional distress, and atrisk children.
• Marriage is a primary foundation of a stable society.
• Families with whole and healthy marriages are the optimal environment for raising children.
• Cultural transformation is required to reduce the frequency of divorce in Jackson County.
• In the value of all marriagebound couples completing a premarriage program which would include communication skills, conflict resolution and an assessment of shared goals and values.
• In the benefit of marriage enrichment, and the promotion and accessibility of religious or secular
  counseling for troubled marriages.
  

We acknowledge:

• We acknowledge that many in our community are in single parent families. In no way do we intend this policy to make a judgment on their family context, nor do we wish to exclude them from the benefits of participating in our family enrichment programs.
• We acknowledge that this policy necessarily addresses heterosexual marriage and families. It is not intended to make any comment upon the values or choices of those who might make alternative lifestyle choices.
• We acknowledge the painful and dangerous reality of abuse within marriages and families. We advocate for safe and loving relationships. In no way should this policy be construed to imply that abusive domestic relationships be endured or tolerated.

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