Healthy families contribute to positive individual development, a quality work place and work force, and caring communities. Human development programs will focus on helping individuals develop the skills to nurture and support family members throughout their lives, and strengthen the capacity of families to establish caring communities where economic security is maintained. Situation Families provide the most enduring social context in which individuals learn to care for others, regulate their behavior, share material resources, and develop individual potential. Today, families are often pulled in many directions due to economic pressures, social obligations, or other influences. Yet families need to learn how to manage their relationships so that time together is preserved, healthy communication is established, and resources are managed wisely and carefully.
Families remain the most important buffer between individuals and the stresses of life.
Building strong families enables both individuals and communities to grow in a context of care and well-being. Families will be supported through increased efforts to collaborate with other community entities such as schools, social services programs, etc., in planning and delivering effective, meaningful educational programs to strengthen families. Families and organizations will have increased awareness of the importance of family life and prioritizing it in their lives and work. Families will have increased knowledge of specific strategies for strengthening family relationships and overcoming challenges. Educational Program Develop and promote a multi-media effort to provide information and resources on building strong families that will include news media and the Internet.