Thus, divorce ''weakens relationships, communities, cities, states and the nation. The increases in the rates of child abuse and neglect, crime, behavioral and emotional problems, health problems, cohabitation, future divorce and out-of-wedlock births as well as the decrease in religious worship, educational attainment and income potential should alarm every policymaker and community leader.''

Heritage's surprising conclusion is that more government is needed. Though it is a very conservative think tank that usually urges less government, Heritage notes that federal and state governments spend $150 billion per year to subsidize single parent families and only $150 million to strengthen marriage. ''Thus, for every $1,000 spent to deal with the effects of family disintegration, only $1 is spent to prevent that disintegration,'' a ''folly...evident to all.''

It suggests a compelling agenda to those running for state or federal government office:


1. ''Establish by resolution a national goal of reducing divorce among families with children by one-third over the next decade. It would send a clear signal to parents that society values marriage and is concerned about the effects of divorce on children.''