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
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
Spring Texas Tour
Each spring, our Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts share updates from the research, legislative advocacy updates, and engage in meaningful grassroots conversations with child care stakeholders.
May 14
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 8
CHILDREN AT RISK Golf Classic
For more than two decades, the Golf Classic has raised critical funds to advance our mission of improving the lives of children across Texas. Join us at the fabulous Houston Golf Club on June 8th to hit birdies for bright futures and fore Children!
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
Charting Success: Supporting the Whole Child for Academic Success
Charting Success Supporting the Whole Child for Academic ExcellenceEmergent Bilingual English Learners (EBEL) —who make up nearly one in five Texas public school students—demonstrate strong engagement and resilience. They show lower rates of chronic absenteeism and...
Texas Early Childhood Systems: Insights from the 2025 Fall Texas Tour
CHILDREN AT RISK visited 12 local communities throughout Texas to engage in grassroots conversations centered on data and the dynamic needs of the child care workforce. Every fall, our Early Childhood Education team packs our bags and hits the road, because we know...
C@R Interview Series: Education Leadership Conversations
1:1 Interviews to offer Insights on Texas Public Schools, Student Achievement, and Education Policy Media Contacts: Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354 Rashena Franklin 713.301.4577 November through December 2025, CHILDREN AT RISK will host a Education Leadership Conversation...
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.
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