Compared to other states, Missouri's families are more fragile. The marriage rate in Missouri continues to decline, while family instability increases (CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System). Growing numbers of children are living in unstable marriages and families, including those born to unmarried parents, living in single-parent families, or with parental relationships marred by conflict, and the evidence suggests this instability is associated with increased poverty and lower well-being for children (Kids Count Datacenter; National Vital Statistics Reports, January 2015). Our overarching long-term goal is to improve well-being and stability for all Missouri families, yet specifically to bring our services free of charge to our most vulnerable families.
