Utah Office of Families

Utah is known as the most family-friendly state in the nation and Gov. Cox is committed to keeping it that way. In Utah, we haven’t forgotten the simple truth that when families win, we all win — economically as well as socially. In 2022, Gov. Cox announced the formation of a new Office of Families and hired a senior advisor/director tasked with finding ways to strengthen families so children have better outcomes. Families are a key social institution and Gov. Cox understands that when we nurture families, we build stronger communities and improve our quality of life for all. 

Priorities:

Marriage Readiness The data is clear – children who are raised with two parents have better upward mobility and fewer social service needs later in life. Utah will remain the best state for families, and children will have better outcomes when we encourage our residents to marry before having children.
    • Utah Marriage Commission resources – Free resources for Utahns including podcasts and classes on healthy relationships can be found at StrongerMarriage.com.
    • Prepare young adults for marriage/financial success – Educate Utahns on the Success Sequence – graduate high school, engage full time in the workforce, and marry before having children results in a 97% chance an adult will not be in poverty (Data from Brookings Institute). Work with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to include the Success Sequence in high school curriculum. Work with school districts who are willing to pilot a Success Sequence education initiative.
  • Measure family structure in data – Work with state agencies and USBE to include this data point so we better understand how family structure impacts childhood outcomes.

Protecting Children Childhood trauma impacts the ability to thrive as an adult. Those who have experienced trauma may experience higher rates of physical and mental health issues and be more susceptible to social services and other interventions.
    • Youth mental health – Data shows that social media is affecting the mental health of our children. We will continue to support legislative efforts to find solutions and support and educate parents on the harmful effects of social media. 
    • Child abuse prevention – Work to ensure more children in schools are receiving the child abuse prevention curriculum. Help the public understand that child abuse is happening in their neighborhoods. Educate the public on respite nurseries and resources through The Family Support Center. Continue to support parenting classes throughout the state with The Family Support Center and USU Extension programs.
  • Cell phones in schools – work with school districts to encourage less cell phone usage in schools to improve educational outcomes, human connection, and mental health.
  • Align public service campaigns – Communicate childhood trauma protective factors, an understanding of why those with trauma may gravitate to substances/addiction, and preventative measures that are available.

Supporting Parents When we help parents, we help children. 
  • Home Visitation pilot program for vulnerable families – Sometimes vulnerable families with new babies need some extra support. We are pleased to have a pilot program funded with one of our partners to serve more vulnerable families with babies 0-3 through home visitations.
  • High quality care for children – Whether parents choose to work full time or have a stay-at-home parent, it’s critical for children to have high quality care. We support expanding the child tax credit for families with children ages 1-5, reduce government barriers for daycare facilities, and help low-income working parents apply for childcare stipends through the Department of Workforce Service’s CCDF funds.
  • Family-friendly workforce policies – Encourage Utah businesses to adopt family-friendly policies to retain workers and provide a better work/life balance. Parental leave, flexible schedules, and day care options should be considered. The State of Utah can lead out with strong parental leave policies for employees, including parental leave for fostering a child.
  • Governor’s Task Force on the Wellbeing of Men and Boys – Find policy and community solutions that help Utah’s men and boys lead flourishing lives. Through collaboration with community leaders and evaluation of research and evidence, the task force educates the public and recommends policy solutions to the Governor and State Legislature to improve the mental and physical health, enhance the vocational opportunities, and strengthen the sense of purpose for Utah’s men and boys.