A report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation examines the decline of marriage and family formation in Texas and its consequences for children. Since 1990, the state's marriage rate has fallen 45%, and only about 54% of Texas children are being raised by their married biological parents.

The report finds significant differences in outcomes based on family structure. Poverty affects 35.8% of single-parent families with children, compared with just 7.7% of married-couple families. Children in disrupted families are also more likely to struggle academically and experience violence or substance abuse.

The findings make the case for putting family stability at the center of state policymaking. The report recommends improving data collection on family outcomes, teaching young people about the benefits of marriage and making it easier for families to thrive. It offers a roadmap for addressing poverty and improving children's lives by strengthening families.

Read More: For the Sake of the Kids: Strengthening Families in the Lone Star State

A report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation examines the decline of marriage and family formation in Texas and its consequences for children. Since 1990, the state's marriage rate has fallen 45%, and only about 54% of Texas children are being raised by their married biological parents.

The report finds significant differences in outcomes based on family structure. Poverty affects 35.8% of single-parent families with children, compared with just 7.7% of married-couple families. Children in disrupted families are also more likely to struggle academically and experience violence or substance abuse.

The findings make the case for putting family stability at the center of state policymaking. The report recommends improving data collection on family outcomes, teaching young people about the benefits of marriage and making it easier for families to thrive. It offers a roadmap for addressing poverty and improving children's lives by strengthening families.

Read More: For the Sake of the Kids: Strengthening Families in the Lone Star State