Public Policy & Advocacy

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

Research & data without action are not enough. CHILDREN AT RISK leverages its expertise to educate policymakers and advocate for policies that improve the lives of children.

Public Policy and Law Center (PPLC)

The Public Policy and Law Center (PPLC) was established in 2006 as an outgrowth of CHILDREN AT RISK’s longtime research and advocacy work and in response to the American Bar Association’s appeal to the private bar, “[to] get involved and use its legal expertise on behalf of Houston’s children (American Bar Association Children’s Rights Litigation Committee, 2004).”

PPLC is led by a Law Advisory Board of over 35 attorneys from the legal and business communities and staffed with a dedicated and creative group of attorneys and public policy analysts, which has enabled it to be tremendously successful in its years of operation.

The mission of CHILDREN AT RISK’s Public Policy and Law Center is to improve the lives of children across Texas through:

  • Legal and policy research and advocacy
  • Legislative and administrative rule drafting
  • Drafting of amicus briefs and impact litigation
  • Continuing education for attorneys and other professionals on children’s legal and policy issue

2024 C@R Special Events

Special Eventsconvening for change Every dollar donated helps us improve the lives of Texas children. CHILDREN AT RISK is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 76-0360533). Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.  It is with immense pride and joy that we announce a significant milestone: the 35th Anniversary of CHILDREN AT RISK. For over three decades, our...

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2023 Annual Report

It is with immense pride and joy that we announce the start of a significant milestone: the 35th Anniversary of CHILDREN AT RISK. For over three decades, our organization has been at the forefront of advocating for the well-being and rights of vulnerable children, tirelessly working to create a Texas where every child has an opportunity to succeed. Our efforts are deliberate, measurable, and...

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2024 Equity Tour

The Texas Equity Tour, slated for March 2024, is a pivotal event organized by CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) to address systemic racism and its impact on Texas children and families. Rooted in the principles of racial equity, the tour serves as a platform to present key findings from the Texas Racial Equity Collaborative's (TREC) comprehensive report, "State of Inequity: Dreams Deferred," released in...

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2024 C@R Learning Events

Learning Eventsconvening for change CHILDREN AT RISK is committed to hosting free events that engage the public and help them drive change for children. We aim to share research, unpack pressing policy issues, and highlight diverse community perspectives from across Texas. All events are virtual.  CHILDREN AT RISK is holding ten free, virtual learning events in 2024 to convene experts, community...

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CHILDREN AT RISK Hosts The STEM Summit

Our last summit of the year will dive into the issues of STEM education, focusing on building a robust and qualified pipeline of professionals. A learning opportunity for educators and community leaders, this event will highlight the work of STEM industry leaders, educators, and nonprofit innovators working to improve access to STEM education for all students. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what they can do to support the next generation of STEM professionals.

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CHILDREN AT RISK Hosts The State of Latine Children Summit

The 2023 State of Latine Children Summit hosted on October 12th, 2023. Welcome remarks were provided by the emcee of the event, Dalinda Gonzalez- Alcantar, President of the Boys & Girls Club in McAllen.   “Much of the Latin Population is concentrated in metropolitan areas, which is possibly attributable to the availability of resources and community and urban hubs, but it also really points...

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2023 Education Summit hosted by CHILDREN AT RISK

The 2023 Education Summit was introduced by Dr. Bob Sanborn, the President & CEO at CHILDREN AT RISK and Dr. Frazier Wilson, VP at Shell USA Company Foundation & Manager of Social Investment with Welcome & Opening Remarks which included a background on Texas schools using key demographic data.   The first panel focused on Inclusive Education: Bridging Gaps and Promoting Equity for...

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Fall 2023 Texas Tour Recap

Kaitlyn Newell, Associate Director of Early Education, speaks to a group of child care providers, policymakers, and business leaders in Midland, TX. Source: CHILDREN AT RISK(TX – November 16, 2023) – Each Fall the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Team sets out on our statewide Texas Tour. This year we traveled hundreds of miles to visit the palm trees of Brownsville and McAllen, the prairie...

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How did Children Fare in the 88th Texas Legislative Session?

Over the 140 days of the 2023 Regular Texas Legislative Session, approximately 11,800 bills were filed, and 4,550 passed. CHILDREN AT RISK showed up strong, registering support for bills 79 times, and providing expert testimony on legislation 29 times. In addition to testimony, CHILDREN AT RISK organized four Advocacy Rallies to promote legislation on early childhood education, human...

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C@R Texas House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment 7.11.23

Chairman Buckley, Vice Chair Gervin-Hawkins, and Members of the Select Committee: My name is Kim Kofron, Senior Director of Education. We are grateful to the Texas House of Representatives and Speaker Dade Phelan for the creation of this Select Committee and for your ongoing efforts to ensure all Texas children enjoy equal educational opportunity and the freedom to obtain a quality education,...

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