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
July 17-Aug 15
Mid-Year Giving
Every child deserves a chance at their own happily ever after. This mid-year, help us change the story for Texas children facing poverty, exploitation, and injustice. With your support, we can help our littlest Texans write a new chapter – one filled with safety, opportunity, and hope.
Aug 14
Early Childhood Education Summit
As Texas enters the interim period, this annual summit offers a key opportunity to reflect on progress, prepare for change, and strengthen early childhood governance to ensure quality care and education for all young Texans.
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 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
ELQN July 2025 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. We’re excited to welcome Collaborative for...
C@R Releases Family Support Agenda
Amidst rollbacks of social support systems and mass policy change, many families report significant barriers keeping them from choosing to grow their family. Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 Available by 11:30 AM CT on Tuesday,...
ELQN Announces Collaborative For Children As Vendor For Facility, Safety And Security
With seven community-driven initiatives now underway, Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network has selected its final vendor, Collaborative for Children, to lead the implementation of its Facility, Safety and Security initiative. Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri,...
Get Involved
Are you a Champion for Children?
For the 7.3 million children in Texas, you can be by giving a monthly recurring donation to Children at Risk.