University of Missouri Programs Promotes Strengthening Relationships and Marriages of Missourians

Online, September 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Child welfare experts understand the importance of children being in a healthier and safer environment when their parents or guardians in their lives have a good and healthy relationship with each other. Unfortunately, not all social workers are prepared to properly coach Missourian couples about the significance of having a strong relationship and marriages. University of Missouri researchers are now working to train current and future child welfare social workers to be able to help families, couples and adults in strengthening their relationships.

This program is called Healthy Relationship and Marriage Education Training or HRMET, is financially supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, is a 5 year project that is being facilitated by David Schramm and University of Missouri's Extension. David Schramm is University of Missouri's College of Human Environmental Sciences state extension specialist and Human development and family studies assistant professor. The aim of the program is to improve training programs for social workers that will give them the proper knowledge to promote positive relationships and marriages. Its fundamental goal is to improve the well-being and stability of a child's life by helping the adults in their life maintain a healthy relationship with their partners. Many parents all over the world are facing multiple challenges in life that may gravely affect their relationship with their partners and their kids. For that reason, if the social workers can coach the parents, guardian of the kids or any adult in their lives to be more understanding, respectful and more kind to their partner, it will definitely result to a better, happier and healthier environment life for the children.

The program is a 2-part curriculum, a graduate-level course for both online and students of social at University of Missouri, and a 1 day training session for child welfare professionals. These courses will supply the current and potential social workers sufficient tools to help parents, couples, and adults to choose their partners, handle conflict and keep the relationship healthy and strong.

This project has started in 2008 and is currently at the end of its 3rd year of research and curricula expansion. University of Missouri officials, including project leaders are hopeful in expanding the program nationally.

For more information, contact Samantha Craven, (573) 882-9144 or [email protected]