Supporting the Family Policies

One thing that seems to be attacked more in our society than ever before is the definition of the family. The family unit is so vital to our happiness and yet there are so few people who have taken a direct stand to protect the family.

In Chapter 28 of Successful Marriages & Families, Michael Seipel discusses the role our government plays in the definition of the family as well as the development of the emotions surrounding it. One thing Seipel points out is that there are several developed countries that have benefits directly tied to the family. One example would be France, where there are services available to provide direct families with benefits towards child rearing. In these countries the government's role is accepted and appreciated. However, some argue that the government has no place in the matters of the family. The United States has mostly stayed away from in depth involvement in the family, though there are some services that are meant to directly assist families. The medical insurances, for example, that are available for poor families with children are meant to provide every child with healthcare to further assist them in their development. Some other services were created to assist the family, such as Social Security, however some people have misunderstood its purpose and used this program as a method for their own retirement accounts. The welfare program was designed as a temporary relief for families where their circumstances have not allowed for a parent or both parents to work. There are several state programs designed for this as well. Unfortunately, this program has been seen by some as a method of acquiring money without having to work.

Despite the negative association with some of these programs, there are some programs and laws that have been developed for the sole benefit of the family and Seipel provides explanation of such programs and laws. One is the Living Wage Law. This law was designed to be timed just perfectly so that the low-income worker can climb out of poverty. The current minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Seipel explains, "[The] full-time workers working all year long will earn $13,920-far short of the $18,310 federal poverty guideline for a family of three." He explains that the law is not in full support as it should be but that there are some states that are rising to the opportunity to support this law. We are citizens can find out more about what we can do to help by researching this policy.

Another law is Earned Income Tax Credit. Seipel explains the benefit of the program:

All low-wage workers qualify for the program. The value of EITC that a family receives depends on the family's income and size. The  benefits increase as earnings rise until they reach an income of $12,030 for a couple with two children...For example, a married couple with two children receives a maximum benefit of $4,824 as their income reaches $12,060. Once the worker's income exceeds that level, the benefits begin to decline and are phased out completely as they reach a maximum income of $41,646...Thus the program encourages people to earn as much as they can without fear of losing all benefits.

These two laws are just two of many that have been passed to provide more relief for struggling families and support for them. And while these programs are not perfect, they are designed to support the family and we as a society can help by supporting these laws and programs as well as educating ourselves on them. Through our participation we can make a difference on our society. There is plenty of work to do.

Here's another article that might help.