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
April
Spring Texas Tour
Each spring, our Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts share updates from the research, legislative advocacy updates, and engage in meaningful grassroots conversations with child care stakeholders.
June 8
CHILDREN AT RISK Golf Classic
For more than two decades, the Golf Classic has raised critical funds to advance our mission of improving the lives of children across Texas. Join us at the fabulous Houston Golf Club on June 8th to hit birdies for bright futures and fore Children!
JUNE 11
Early Childhood Education Summit
This year’s virtual summit will bring together experts to explore the many dimensions of early childhood, including access to high-quality child care, culturally informed supports for children with diverse needs, and the broader conditions that shape family well-being.
JULY 23
Child Safety & Connection Summit
Young people who are disconnected face some of the highest risks for exploitation. C@R will host a virtual summit to examine recent data linking disconnection with trafficking, and share best practices to keep young people safe, supported, and connected to opportunity.
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
Top Comedian Brings Laughs and Impact to Stand Up for Children
More than 350 guests filled The Post Oak Hotel on March 27 for an unforgettable evening of laughter and philanthropy at CHILDREN AT RISK’s annual Stand Up for Children event, raising an impressive $300,000 to support children across Texas. More than 350 guests filled...
2026 Child Care Deserts Analysis
Access to High-Quality Child Care Continues to Get More Scarce April 9, 2026 | Written by Kim Kofron, Executive Director of Early Childhood Education, and Jacob Westjohn, Associate Director of the Center for Social Measurement & Evaluation, CHILDREN AT RISK (Note:...
Press Conference: Over Half of Texas Child Care Deserts Have Persisted for Years
About 64% of child care deserts in Texas indicate chronic deficits in child care seats, according to CHILDREN AT RISK’s latest statewide analysis Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 TEXAS (April 9, 2026) – A new analysis from...
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