**GAO-08-1002**                      Published: Sep 26, 2008. Publicly Released: Oct 27, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Strengthening marriages and relationships in low-income families has emerged as a national strategy for enhancing the well-being of children. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) appropriated $150 million in discretionary grants each year from 2006 through 2010 to implement the Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. To provide insight into how these programs are being implemented and monitored, GAO is reporting on (1) how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded grants and the types of organizations that received funding; (2) what activities and services grantees are providing, including those for domestic violence victims; (3) how HHS monitors and assesses program implementation and use of funds; and (4) how program impact is measured. GAO surveyed grantees, interviewed HHS staff, reviewed HHS records and policy, and visited several programs.

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## Topics

Worker and Family Assistance

ChildrenDisadvantaged personsDiscretionary grantsDomestic violenceFamiliesFunds managementGrant administrationGrant award proceduresGrant monitoringInformation managementInformation systemsParentsPerformance measuresProgram evaluationProgram managementPolicies and proceduresProgram coordinationProgram implementationSocial programsSocial services