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
September 25
From Draft to Masterpiece: Revision Strategies for STAAR and Beyond
Join us for this interactive training to earn CPE credits while exploring strategies to help students revise with confidence, strengthen editing skills, and prepare to excel on the STAAR exam.
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.
Oct 8-31
Fall Early Childhood Texas Tour
Join us to weigh in on a grassroots strategy that improves child care across our state, and builds a more sustainable system that supports young children, their families, and child care providers.
Oct 31
Accolades: The Academy Awards of Child Advocacy
Join us at the lovely Hotel ZaZa (Museum District) for our 2025 Accolades Luncheon. A fan-favorite each year, this inspiring event celebrates changemakers who are working tirelessly to advance systems that improve the lives of Texas 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
Virtual Press Conference: CHILDREN AT RISK and Texas Coalition of Business and Education Partners Respond to Termination of Texas Dream Act
C@R and economic experts warn of devastating consequences for Texas’ future workforce following DOJ lawsuit. Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 TEXAS (June 9, 2025) - CHILDREN AT RISK and a coalition of business and...
Press Conference: Education, Legislation, and Workforce Alignment in Texas
Changes to school funding, teacher certification requirements, and public education policy poised to reshape academic recovery and career preparation for Texas students. Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 HOUSTON, TX (June 6, 2025)...
ELQN May Newsletter
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity's Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) Empowering caregivers. Strengthening communities. Building early learning quality, together.Subscribe to ELQN updates for the latest information on community...
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.