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
Interim Charges for the 89th Texas Legislature
Related: Click here to read CHILDREN AT RISK’s Texas Sunset Commission Recommendations.Texas lawmakers convene once every two years for the regular Texas Legislative Session. The period between sessions, known as the Interim, is a critical time for legislative study...
Paving the Way to Quality 2026
Analysis of Texas LWDB Fiscal Spending of Child Care Quality Investments TEXAS (January 28, 2026) - CHILDREN AT RISK has released its second analysis of Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) spending across Texas. Focusing on investments made in the 2024 Board...
Press Release: Strong Start Launch
Strong Start: Greater Houston Early Childhood Education Alliance will transform the early childhood education sector across the Greater Houston area, addressing the growing gap in child care access throughout the Gulf Coast region. Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri,...
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