The curriculum is designed to help new mothers and fathers (if participating) make healthy decisions about their relationships. The educational strategies in this curriculum are primarily designed for new mothers with infants age 7 to 12 weeks and who are receiving cash assistance. Most of these mothers, in order to maintain their benefits, need to participate in a program offered by their county Family Independence Agency. However, new fathers can also benefit from participating. Some learning activities will need to be adapted. In addition, program planners will want to address the unique needs of non-residential fathers.

Research shows that mothers play an important role in determining the level and nature of involvement of their children's fathers in their family life. One of the primary factors that inhibit or support father involvement and healthy co-parenting is the attitude of the mother. If she does not value the father's contribution or serves as the gatekeeper to the child, father involvement will be limited or non-existent. Alternatively, if the father puts a child at risk of child abuse and neglect due to drug or alcohol abuse, illegal activities or other factors, the mother plays a critical role in assuring her child's safety (Edin, et al., 2001).