Public Policy & Advocacy
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
Research & data without action are not enough. CHILDREN AT RISK leverages its expertise to educate policymakers and advocate for policies that improve the lives of children.
Public Policy and Law Center (PPLC)
The Public Policy and Law Center (PPLC) was established in 2006 as an outgrowth of CHILDREN AT RISK’s longtime research and advocacy work and in response to the American Bar Association’s appeal to the private bar, “[to] get involved and use its legal expertise on behalf of Houston’s children (American Bar Association Children’s Rights Litigation Committee, 2004).”
PPLC is led by a Law Advisory Board of over 35 attorneys from the legal and business communities and staffed with a dedicated and creative group of attorneys and public policy analysts, which has enabled it to be tremendously successful in its years of operation.
The mission of CHILDREN AT RISK’s Public Policy and Law Center is to improve the lives of children across Texas through:
- Legal and policy research and advocacy
- Legislative and administrative rule drafting
- Drafting of amicus briefs and impact litigation
- Continuing education for attorneys and other professionals on children’s legal and policy issue
2026 Human Trafficking Sunset Recommendations
Related: Click here to read all of CHILDREN AT RISK’s recommendations for the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission.Every 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 hearings. The Commission then makes recommendations to the Texas Legislature, which determines the agency’s...
2026 Early Childhood Sunset Recommendations
Related: Click here to read all of CHILDREN AT RISK’s recommendations for the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission.Every 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 hearings. The Commission then makes recommendations to the Texas Legislature, which determines the agency’s...
2026 OYYA Sunset Recommendations
Related: Click here to read all of CHILDREN AT RISK’s recommendations for the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission.Every 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 hearings. The Commission then makes recommendations to the Texas Legislature, which determines the agency’s...
The Needs of Texas Opportunity Youth
Key Themes & Focus Group Findings CHILDREN AT RISK conducted a series of regional focus groups across Texas to better understand the lived experiences of Opportunity Youth and Young Adults (OYYA). These conversations explored access to education and workforce opportunities, interactions with public benefits and state agencies, and the broader challenges related to stability, basic needs, and...
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 hearings. The Commission then makes recommendations to the Texas Legislature, which determines the agency’s future through passage of a...
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 and oversight. While new legislation is not formally considered, lawmakers are charged with examining complex issues that affect...
Press Conference: Healthcare Costs Set to Rise for All Children and Families
Over a million Texans are on the brink of losing their healthcare coverage, skyrocketing costs in healthcare for all Americans Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 TEXAS (November 20, 2025) – Texas already ranks as the highest uninsured rate in the nation, with 16.6% of residents—nearly 5 million people—uninsured, including over 852,000 children. As...
Event Recap: 89th Legislative Summit
On July 10th, CHILDREN AT RISK hosted a 89th Legislative Debrief, which consisted of experts, advocates, and policymakers who were at the forefront of legislative discussions, who analyzed the implications of new laws and identify areas where further action is needed. This post was written by Rebecca George, C@R Media and Policy Fellow. With C@R's Vice President & Chief Government Relations...
C@R Releases Family Support Agenda
Amidst rollbacks of social support systems and mass policy change, many families report significant barriers keeping them from choosing to grow their family. Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 TEXAS (AUG 5, 2025) - Birth rates in Texas fell by almost 21 percent between 2007 and 2019. A decline sharper than the national trend. This signals more than just a...
VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE ON WINS & MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN IN 89TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE
In-depth virtual summit to follow immediately, and a detailed report to be available July 11 at childrenatrisk.org. Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 FEATURING Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO, CHILDREN AT RISK Mandi Kimball, Chief Government Affairs Officer, C@R Andrea Coker, Chief Advocacy Officer, North Texas Commission Stephanie O'Banion, Director...
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