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
July 10
89th Legislative Debrief: The Impact on Children
Join us for an in-depth review of the 89th Texas Legislative Session as we examine the legislative outcomes that shape the lives of Texas children and families. Experts will provide an overview of key bills and policies passed, focusing on education, health, early childhood, and child welfare.
Aug 14
Early Childhood Education Summit
As Texas enters the interim period, this annual summit offers a key opportunity to reflect on progress, prepare for change, and strengthen early childhood governance to ensure quality care and education for all young Texans.
September 25
Annual Immigration Summit
The 2025 Immigration Summit will center on child-focused policies that protect, empower, and uplift immigrant youth. Join us as we collaborate to champion compassion, inclusion, and justice while building pathways to brighter futures.
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
Strengthening Quality Early Learning Environments in Harris County: ELQN’s Progress and Next Steps
May 9, 2025 Written by CHILDREN AT RISK team members Briauna Derry, Director of Media Activism; Martha Gonzales, Associate Director of ELQN; Erika Alcala, Project Coordinator Launched in October 2023, Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) has made...
Texas Child Care Honor Roll
Media Contacts: Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354 Rashena Franklin 713.301.4577 Research shows that 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of a child’s life. This period is foundational—what children learn, or don’t learn, during these early years can...
CHILDREN AT RISK Condemns Unlawful Deportation of U.S. Citizen Children
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHILDREN AT RISK Condemns Unlawful Deportation of U.S. Citizen Children and Urges Immediate Federal Action Houston, TX — CHILDREN AT RISK, a non-partisan research and advocacy nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for children,...
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