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.
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
April-May
Spring Texas Tour
Each Spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables in 12 major cities across Texas to share the latest data analyses and legislative updates, while engaging local communities in key conversations focused on early childhood education.
May 2
25th Annual Golf Classic
Mark your calendars for the 25th Anniversary of the CHILDREN AT RISK Annual Golf Classic on May 2nd, 2025. Join us for a milestone event that continues to drive critical support for Texas children, advancing their rights to education, health, and a safe future.
May 13
Texas A+ Challenge Coaching Institute
Transform your campus by learning how to be an effective coach. Enhance your capacity to support teachers in implementing evidence-based instructional practices and improve student learning outcomes, while fostering a culture of reflective practice and continuous growth.
June 6
2025 Education Summit
This annual summit will convene educators, leaders, and advocates to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Texas education. Join us for coversations on Texas’ evolving educational landscape and discussions on literacy, mathematics achievement, and the critical link between education and career success.
The Latest from C@R
Protecting Children in the Digital Age: Insights from the 2025 Anti-Human Trafficking Summit
On March 13, 2025, Children at Risk hosted its annual Anti-Human Trafficking Summit, bringing together experts from child safety organizations, law enforcement, and policy sectors to discuss the evolving threats of online exploitation and trafficking. This year’s...
Partners Advocate to Fund Child Care in the 89th Texas Legislative Session
Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) and CHILDREN AT RISK partnered to present a legislative briefing and rally that urged lawmakers to #FundChildCare in the 89th Legislative Session. On March 6, 2025, state leaders, child care advocates, and...
Standing Up for Children in 2025
On March 28, CHILDREN AT RISK hosted the 2025 Stand Up for Children Signature Event featuring Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live. Over 430 guests joined to support CHILDREN AT RISK’s Stand Up for Children at The Post Oak Hotel on Friday, March 28. Event chairs Suzan...
Get Involved
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For the 7.3 million children in Texas, you can be by giving a monthly recurring donation to Children at Risk.