DO NOT LET THE COUPLE TAKE THE INVENTORY HOME

When couples are allowed to bring the Booklets and Answer Sheets home, they tend to take the inventory together, which invalidates the results. Also, they could circulate the items to other couples. Finally, it is a violation of the copyright laws on the materials. Instead, have them come in to your office and, where possible, put them in separate rooms while filling out the inventory.

IDEALLY, COUPLES SHOULD TAKE THE INVENTORY SEPARATELY

Couples tend to consult one another when allowed to take the inventory together. By
separating the couple, if it is practical to do so, you preserve the reliability and validity of the inventory.

CHECK ANSWER SHEETS FOR COMPLETENESS

Check that the couple has fully completed the inventory and that all circles are properly filled in (a very small number of agreed upon omissions may be acceptable). If there are any stray marks, erase them as well as you can.

Make sure you have filled in both your PREPARE/ENRICH ID Number and the 3-digit Couple Number you have assigned. Fill in the corresponding circles because the computer reads the information. Please write your name and organization at the top of the answer sheet.

SENDING ANSWER SHEETS FOR SCORING

• Include any address changes or updates you might have – we want to be sure the processing gets back to you. Put the return address on the envelope to ensure that the Post Office will return it to you if it appears undeliverable.
• Keep a photocopy of the answer sheets in case the originals are lost in the post.
• The cost of scoring is A$38.50 (includes GST) per couple. If you are sending a cheque, it should be made out to Prepare-Enrich. 
• Fold the answer sheets in the same tri-folded manner you first received them.
• Please DO NOT fax answer sheets. If you need a rush on your inventory send it using Express Mail and indicate that you need to have it sent back using Express Post  - if so please add $4.90 (1-2 processings) or $9.50 (3 or more processings - a 3kg pack) to your payment.

• DO NOT photocopy answer sheets. If you run out of answer sheets, call our office (02 9545 4566) and we can provide you with other options.
• DO NOT use ink. Ink is not recognized by our scanners and will be scored as a blank. 
• DO use #2 Pencils on the answer sheets.
• DO NOT staple cheques to answer sheets.

Past Hints  Last Month : Spiritual Beliefs and Marriage – A Recent US Study 

News Update:  

END-OF-YEAR CLOSING 
The last processing day will be Wednesday 15th December 2004 and the office will re-open on January 4th 2005.  

The December 2004 issue of the Newsletter, the Prepare Diary, will be available on this web site in early to mid-December. 

A new Australian resource booklet has been written by Dr. Alan Craddock that explores the impact that experiences of family of origin have, especially on conlicted couples.  The booklet, written especially for Prepare-Enrich administrators, aims to identify and explore the main differences between highly satisfied (vitalised) and more troubled (conflicted) premarital couples. This study explores the connection between negative experiences within family of origin in the past (separateness, rigidity and exposure to abuse) and present difficulties in couple relationship. The study represents the drawing together of trends and patterns identified in the data from 520 Australian couples participating in the Prepare program. Many practical suggestions for working with conflicted couples, especially on family of origin issues and using the couple and family map, are offered in this study. 

To order Origins: Family Experiences of Premarital Couples (Hillfort Resources) simply call the Prepare-Enrich National Office on 02 9545 4566 or email us at info@prepare-enrich.com.au 
The cost is only $12 (includes postage and GST). 

Skills development training seminars are listed at: Skills Development Opportunities 

The cost of processing has not been increased and remains at $38.50 (including GST).