Fragile Families: Articles and How They Contribute to Family PolicyThis article will review two articles relating to "fragile families" and evaluate how they contribute to family policy. “Fragile families” are very relevant at the heart of family policy. In the 1990s, the term “fragile families” arose out of the need to describe families that do not fit traditional married-unmarried couples with children (McLanahan, Garfinkel, Mincy, & Donahue, 2010). Over a 60-year period, births outside marriage have increased significantly. In 1940, 4% of children born were to unmarried parents. However, in 2007 this figure reached a peak of 40%. These families may be composed of cohabiting couples, non-cohabiting couples, or single mothers (Kalil and Ryan, 2010). They are considered “fragile” because they are more likely to encounter economic and relational difficulties. They tend to be poorer, experience material difficulties and have absent fathers. Most importantly, fragile families are of great concern because they often lack stability as a family unit. However, fragile families have become one of the new types of families and seem to constitute a permanent structure that is constantly increasing. Bogenschneider (2006) stated that one of the main issues underlying the family policy debate concerns conflicting ideas about (typical) families. These conflicts are evident when looking at the 3 perspectives on family policy: Concerned, Sanguine, and Impatient. This is why attention has increased on this new type of family. One of the issues to assess with regard to fragile families concerns the economic situation of mothers and their support systems. (McLanahan et al., 2010). Kalil and Ryan (2010), discuss the word...... middle of article...... Craigie and Gunn, 2010). Second, address factors that put the child at risk, such as lack of parental involvement. Third, directly address the risks children face, including through early childhood education. Policy changes can also be implemented regarding the economic situation of mothers and the resources available to them. Community programs that support mothers should be strengthened and focused on their effective work (Kalil and Ryan, 2010). The safety nets provided in the form of things like food stamps also need to be strengthened. Policies should support these resources and have the ultimate goal of economic self-sufficiency for mothers from fragile families. The issues presented allow political decision-makers to be well informed of the possible risks associated with fragile families and the challenges they face, particularly on the economic level...