The Oklahoma Marriage Initiative : using research to guide the development of an evolving statewide initiative

              JULY 2008
THE OKLAHOMA MARRIAGE INITIATIVE
ABOUT THIS
RESEARCH BRIEF
This ASPE Research Brief discusses the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative’s use of research to guide the development and improvement of program services, assess progress, and disseminate information to the community about marriage. The brief draws on findings from an in-depth process evaluation conducted by researchers at Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. under contract to ASPE. This brief was prepared by Heather Zaveri and Nikki Aikens.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Using Research to Guide the Development of an Evolving Statewide Initiative
As a pioneer in broad-based marriage initiatives, the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI) has charted new territory. Recognizing that there was little prior information to guide implementation designs and strategies for pursuing its goals, OMI planners enlisted the help of a range of research experts from around the country. These experts did not necessarily have ready answers to the challenges faced by the OMI, but were willing to help analyze emerging issues and provide input based on the best available information. This advisory panel has remained engaged since the OMI’s beginning, with its function adapting to evolving needs. With the panel’s guidance, Oklahoma was the first state to conduct a statewide survey of its citizens’ attitudes and behavior with respect to divorce and marriage. Survey findings were used to inform OMI program decisions and to educate Oklahomans about marriage and divorce in their state; they also may be used as a baseline against which to compare later outcomes. As the initiative has unfolded, the OMI has used research to assess and inform progress, continue expansion, and explore outcomes.
US Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, DC 20201
Melissa Pardue
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Services Policy
As the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative was being developed, its planners made a commitment to rely on research to guide its development. Research has been integral to its evolution, starting with the findings on family structure that first stimulated the idea for the initiative, to the development of subsequent strategies and approaches for implementation. Since 2001, the OMI has been guided by a panel of state and national experts on marriage, divorce, and low-income families. This interdisciplinary Research Advisory Group (RAG) includes academic scholars, university-based practitioners and researchers, and policy experts and evaluators who meet annually and sometimes contribute to other OMI research activities throughout the year. Their ongoing activities, including, for example, conducting small-scale studies of OMI programs and assisting in the development of dissemination