ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative - Related Fact Sheets

Asian and Pacific Islander Healthy Marriage and Family Strengthening Initiative (APIHMFSI)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 14.9 million Asians and 1 million Pacific Islanders totaling just over 5 percent of the U.S. population. The “Asian alone” population increased by 3.3 million, or 48 percent, between 1990 and 2000 and “Pacific Islander alone” population increased by 34,000, or 9.3 percent, between 1990 and 2000. (These are individuals who reported that his/her race is only Asian or Pacific Islander, not combined with another race.) Asian and Pacific Islanders (API’s):

Have language barriers and cultural differences that inhibit social service access
May experience stress in their relationships due to cultural changes associated with immigration
Are more likely to live in poverty than non-Hispanic Whites
Are more likely to be “family households” (includes extended family and/or unrelated people living in the home)
Are often viewed as a “model minority” with few health or socio-economic problems

In order to better serve these populations, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has launched the Asian and Pacific Islander Healthy Marriage and Family Strengthening Initiative (APIHMFSI), as a focused strategy within the Healthy Marriage Initiative. The goal of the APIHMFSI is to address the unique cultural, linguistic, demographic, and socio-economic needs of children and families in the Asian and Pacific Islander community in order to promote strong families and healthy marriages.

For more information on the APIHMFSI go to:Frequently Asked Questions About: Asian Americans and Marriage

To join the Community of Practice and review the resources posted there go to https://hhsu.learning.hhs.gov/communities/folders.asp?iFolderID=22436"