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
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!
JUNE 11
Early Childhood Education Summit
This year’s virtual summit will bring together experts to explore the many dimensions of early childhood, including access to high-quality child care, culturally informed supports for children with diverse needs, and the broader conditions that shape family well-being.
JULY 16
Child Safety & Connection Summit
Young people who are disconnected face some of the highest risks for exploitation. C@R will host a virtual summit to examine recent data linking disconnection with trafficking, and share best practices to keep young people safe, supported, and connected to opportunity.
Oct 16
Annual Accolades Luncheon
This year’s Accolades Luncheon celebrates the profound impact early education has on a child’s future. We will explore how early learning experiences influence academic pathways, higher education, and leadership. Together, we honor those committed to building brighter futures for all 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
Spring 2026 | Early Childhood Education Texas Tour
Each spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables across 12 major cities in Texas. During these sessions, C@R experts will share updates from the latest Paving the Way report, including regional analysis of Local...
Bexar County Child Health Initiative Report 2026
CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R), Family Service, and the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University partnered to launch the CHI in response to Community Health Needs Assessments that signaled poor mental health, nutrition, and hightened rates of chronic disease for...
Recommendations for the Texas Sunset Commission Ahead of the 90th Texas Legislature
Related: Click here to read CHILDREN AT RISK’s Texas Interim Charge RecommendationsEvery 12 years, most Texas state agencies undergo a comprehensive review by the Sunset Advisory Commission, a process that includes staff analysis, public input, and legislative...
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