BBC Social Affairs Correspondent Niall Dickson: Labour will want to avoid a moral stance

BBC News has obtained a draft copy of the proposals a week ahead of their official publication.

The consultation document recommends more preparation for those considering marriage, greater help for couples experiencing difficulties and better parenting education in schools.

Despite coming out as wholehearted supporters of marriage, ministers have been careful to avoid adopting a strong line on personal morality of the kind associated with John Major's failed Back to Basics campaign of the early 1990s.

Doomed: The divorce rate has increased six-fold since 1960

And although the document says the government strongly supports the institution of marriage, it recognises that many couples who choose not to marry still provide a loving and stable environment for their children.

Also under consideration are changes in the law to provide pre-marriage preparation in registry offices. But the main emphasis of the proposals is the importance the government attaches to the raising of children.

Niall Dickson: Big change in culture of benefits system?

Initiatives include expanding the role of health visitors, encouraging more community support for families and a new strategy to tackle domestic violence.

Many of the initiatives set out in the Green Paper are designed to build on and complement policies already in place.

BBC Social Affairs Editor Niall Dickson: Children are the focus of document

Other possible options open to the government include setting up a 24-hour advice helpline for parents.

The government's proposals come at a time when marriage rates have reached their lowest point since records began with half as many people marrying each year than during the 1970s.