We’re ready for the 90th Texas Legislature. Are you?
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.
The Latest from C@R
Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, to Retire After Two Decades of Leading the Statewide Research and Advocacy Nonprofit
Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 TEXAS (October 8, 2026) – Dr. Bob Sanborn, a longtime leader in Texas child advocacy and public policy, will retire as president and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK on July 1, 2027, concluding more than...
Don’t Close the Door on Our Youngest Learners: Head Start Is Essential for Texas Children
As the Administration weighs the public comments in response to their recent Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, C@R's data team comments on the ways in which Head Start is actually essential for Texas children. Written by Christine Thomas MS, Director, Center...
Beyond Eligibility: What Drives CEP Participation in Schools
Across Texas, 68.7% of eligible schools participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), allowing them to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students. Yet financial and operational barriers leave nearly one-third of eligible schools unable to...
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
OCT-NOV
Texas Tour
Each fall, CHILDREN AT RISK brings early childhood leaders and stakeholders together for community-centered conversations in 12 major Texas cities to exchange insights, examine regional experiences, and envision a stronger future for child care across Texas. Â
Nov 10
Education Summit
Through policy insights, expert guidance, and cross-sector perspectives, participants will examine responsible AI adoption, effective implementation strategies, and opportunities to strengthen teaching, learning, workforce preparation, and institutional operations.
Nov 12
Children’s Agenda
Join us for advocacy updates and opportunities shaping the next cycle of child focused policy. Alongside key partners, we’ll outline our legislative priorities, highlight emerging legislative pathways, and equip participants with a clear understanding of what is at stake for children and families
Coming Up
Stay in touch as C@R shares our upcoming events!
CHILDREN AT RISK is dedicated to bringing the most relevant and engaging events to our communities. From regional visits to educational opportunities or network events, join our network to stay up-to-date on the latest events or advocacy actions available.
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.
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