Our Mission
CHILDREN AT RISK serves as a catalyst for change to improve the quality of life for children through strategic research, public policy analysis, education, collaboration, and advocacy.
What We Do
Data & Research
We use research and data to understand the needs of Texas children and their families. This research drives our advocacy agenda and helps us develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
Policy Advocacy
Research and data alone are not enough to drive change for children. We use our research to develop bipartisan policy recommendations that have the most impact and speak up to inform policymakers.
Collaboration
We work better together. We rely on partners across the state to support our research and data collection, provide regional insights, and amplify our advocacy efforts through collective action.
Upcoming Events & Activities
September 25
From Draft to Masterpiece: Revision Strategies for STAAR and Beyond
Join us for this interactive training to earn CPE credits while exploring strategies to help students revise with confidence, strengthen editing skills, and prepare to excel on the STAAR exam.
September 25
Annual Immigration Summit
The 2025 Immigration Summit will center on child-focused policies that protect, empower, and uplift immigrant youth. Join us as we collaborate to champion compassion, inclusion, and justice while building pathways to brighter futures.
Oct 8-31
Fall Early Childhood Texas Tour
Join us to weigh in on a grassroots strategy that improves child care across our state, and builds a more sustainable system that supports young children, their families, and child care providers.
Oct 31
Accolades: The Academy Awards of Child Advocacy
Join us at the lovely Hotel ZaZa (Museum District) for our 2025 Accolades Luncheon. A fan-favorite each year, this inspiring event celebrates changemakers who are working tirelessly to advance systems that improve the lives of Texas children.
Our Areas of Expertise
CHILDREN AT RISK focuses on 3 key areas that can help break the cycle of poverty and enable children to learn, thrive, and meet their full potential.
Education
Health
Safety & Opportunity
We are committed to viewing all the work we do with an Equity & Justice lens and an Immigrant Children lens.
Equity & Justice
Immigrant Children
The Latest from C@R
Seeds of Change: Recap of the 2025 Early Childhood Education Summit
This virtual gathering brought together legislators, policy experts, state leaders, advocates, and community stakeholders to reflect on recent wins for Texas children and chart the course for the work ahead. On August 14th, CHILDREN AT RISK gathered leaders,...
ELQN August Newsletter
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity's Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)Subscribe to ELQN updates for the latest information on community initiatives, engagement opportunities, and mile markers. Many ELQN initiatives are designed to...
C@R Statement in Response to the Release of TEA’s 2025 Accountability Ratings
Media Contacts: Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354 Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 15, 2025 The 2025 TEA Accountability Ratings show what is possible when improvement is measured and made public. For the first time in years, Houston ISD has no...
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