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
Feb 25
The Future of San Antonio
For the 3rd annual Future of San Antonio community event, attendees will hear from multi-disciplinary experts to look at the social determinants of health as children experience them, while developing collaborative solutions that can help build a future in which San Antonio’s children succeed.
March 27
Stand Up for Children
Join us or an unforgettable evening of comedy, auctions, and impact that raises vital funds to support C@R’s work ensuring children have access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and a life free from exploitation.
April 16
The Future of Children: Global Perspectives
Join us for a future minded event grounded in the latest developments shaping child well-being. National experts will join this virtual gathering to explore emerging systemic changes in food, health, housing, technology, immigration, and more.
June 11
The Intersection of Early Childhood & Children of Immigrants
This virtual event will explore why high-quality early education is essential for this rapidly growing population and how emerging political and legal shifts are shaping access and 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
Two Years of Impact: Celebrating the Commitment and Progress of Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network
OCTOBER 10, 2025 Written by Briauna Derry, Director of Media Activism, CHILDREN AT RISK Two years ago today, on October 10, 2023, Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) was launched with a clear mission: to...
ELQN September 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. Join us for a community dinner and...
Frequently Asked Questions: ELQN
Why should I be a part of this early childhood program? What are the benefits for my child(ren)? ELQN is a program that was created to make sure that all children 0-8 years old in Harris County have access to high-quality childcare and educational resources at their...
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.