History & Mission of the Utah Marriage Commission

 The Utah Marriage Commission began in 1998 as part of the Utah Governor’s office. It was placed in in the Department of Workforce Services in 2004. In 2013, it was formally put in statute and transferred to the Department of Human Services. The Commission’s work has been supported with TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funds. A major purpose of TANF is to increase the number of children growing up in stable, healthy, two-parent families. The Commission is directed by a group of volunteer experts appointed by the Governor. It has one full-time coordinator. 

The mission of the Utah Marriage Commission is to help people form and sustain healthy and enduring marriages and relationships. The Commission promotes and supports marriage and relationship education services, with a special focus on serving populations at higher risk for family instability.