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 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.

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

Upcoming Events & Activities

OCTOBER

Fall 2024 Early Childhood Texas Tour

Join us as our early childhood team embarks on a 12-city Texas Tour to showcase findings from their latest report, Paving the Way to Quality, provide regional insights, and strategize for the upcoming legislative session.

OCT 16

The State of El Paso Children: Surviving to Thriving

Join us for a community-hosted event, right in El Paso! The State of El Paso Children is more than just a gathering—it’s a call to action for all stakeholders committed to the well-being of children.

OCT 17

2024 STEM Summit

Join us to hear directly from STEM and STEAM industry leaders, rockstar educators and nonprofit innovators working to improve equity by removing barriers to access and equip the next generation of the national workforce. Don’t miss this annual event!

NOV 1

Accolades: The Academy Awards of Child Advocacy

Join us for our annual Accolades Luncheon during a very special year for CHILDREN AT RISK as we celebrate 35 years of advocacy for those who need it most – our children!

The Latest from C@R

Paving the Way to Quality

Paving the Way to Quality

In 2022, CHILDREN AT RISK unveiled The Quest for Equity and Quality, a groundbreaking report that highlighted significant disparities in child care providers' experiences with the Texas Rising Star (TRS) program across the state. Now, our latest report, Paving the Way...

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ELQN Partners Continue the Conversation

ELQN Partners Continue the Conversation

ELQN PARTNERS CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON HOSTS TOWN HALL Media Contact: Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 On August 12, the YMCA of Greater Houston, in partnership with Harris County and CHILDREN AT RISK, hosted an Early Learning Quality Network...

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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.