Fragile Families: Articles and How They Contribute to Family Policy This article will examine two articles relating to “fragile families” and evaluate how they contribute to family policy. “Fragile families” are very pertinent to the crux of family policy. In the 1990s, the term “fragile families” arose from the need to describe families that did not fit into traditional married–unmarried couples with children (McLanahan, Garfinkel, Mincy, & Donahue, 2010). Over a 60-year period, births of children outside of marriage have increased significantly. In 1940, 4% of children born were to unmarried parents. However, in 2007 this number reached 40%. These families may consist of cohabiting couples, noncohabiting couples, or single mothers (Kalil & Ryan, 2010). They are considered "fragile" because they are more likely to encounter economic and relational difficulties. They tend to be poorer, experience material hardship, and have absent fathers. More importantly, fragile families are of great concern because they often lack stability as a family unit. However, fragile families have become one of the new family typologies and seem to constitute a constantly increasing permanent structure. Bogenschneider (2006) stated that one of the main underlying issues in the family policy debate is the conflicting ideas of families (types). These conflicts are evident when considering the 3 perspectives related to family politics: Preoccupied, Sanguine, and Impatient. This is why more attention has been paid to this new type of family. One of the issues to be assessed with regard to fragile families concerns the economic conditions of the mothers and their support systems. (McLanahan et al., 2010). Kalil and Ryan (2010), discuss my… half of the article… Craigie and Gunn, 2010). Second, address factors that put the child at risk, such as lack of parental involvement. Third, directly address children's risk through early childhood education, among other things. There are also policy changes that can be implemented regarding mothers' economic difficulties and the resources available to them. There should be a strengthening of community-based programs that help mothers and a focus on them working effectively (Kalil & Ryan, 2010). Safety nets provided in the form of food stamps also need to be strengthened. Policies should support these resources and have the ultimate goal of economic self-sufficiency for mothers living in fragile families. The questions presented allow policy makers to be well informed about the possible risks associated with fragile families and the problems they face, especially on an economic level..