Drawing on hundreds of studies in the last 20 years, the new edition ofFamily Policy Mattersbrings a fresh perspective to family policy, underscoring why it is needed, and outlining how policymaking should be approached. Author Karen Bogenschneider proposes a theoretical framework for conceptualizing policy issues in a way that holds the potential for overcoming controversy and identifying common ground. This new edition includes updates on the most current research, including: *new issues that have changed the political landscape for families (e.g. strengthening marriage initiative, same-sex marriage); *an updated section on state statutes or Governor's orders that require family impact analysis; *a new chapter on the history of family policy in this century; *a new appendix on how to conduct a family impact analysis; and *two new case studies on writing family policy newsletters for state policymakers and teaching family impact analysis to the general public. The targeted audience includes researchers interested in seeing their research and ideas acted upon in the policy world; family professionals who work to connect research and policymaking; and instructors interested in making family policy come alive for undergraduate and graduate students. This book is an ideal textbook for family policy courses.