Children at Risk

05/22/2026

Did you know?

Six years ago, the Texas Family Leadership Council (TXFLC) was created to strengthen statewide communication and collaboration on behalf of Texas families.

Today, TXFLC continues to bring together partners from across the state to stay connected, learn from experts (and each other), bridge service gaps, and support policies that help children and families thrive.

Join us for our next meeting on Thursday, May 28 at 10 AM CT! We’re looking forward to an engaging conversation focused on advancing health and well-being for Texas children and families through collaboration, innovation, and policy leadership. A huge thanks to Texas Health Institute for partnering with us for this important discussion.

Email Shannon at [email protected] to learn more and get connected.

05/21/2026

An estimated 500,000 youth in Texas, ages 16 to 24, are neither in school nor working. These Opportunity Youth & Young Adults (OYYA) often face barriers to employment or re-enrollment, are parents, and earn poverty-level wages. This disconnection can put them at higher risk for human trafficking and exploitation.

But there are models we can learn from that are already in place and already helping young people reconnect. With the right support, OYYA can access paid work experience, mentorship, education pathways, and the stability they need to build the future they deserve.

Join us on July 16 at 10 AM CT for our first-ever Child Safety, Security, and Opportunity Summit, where we’ll gather virtually to explore how Texas can strengthen education, workforce, and support systems for youth most at risk of disconnection and exploitation.

Register today: https://childrenatrisk.org/event/2026ahtsummit/

Learn more about programs being implemented across the country: https://www.newamerica.org/insights/opportunity-youth-break-into-hollywood-through-youth-apprenticeship/

05/19/2026

“It’s really a learning recession.” What does that mean, what’s causing it, and what do we do about it?

Dr. Bob Sanborn joined Melissa Wilson and DaLaun Dillard at the FOX26 Houston studio to break down the latest report from Stanford that says national math and reading scores have been on the decline since before the pandemic.

Grateful to have our leader join to talk through such a high impact issue!

05/19/2026

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission is a key part of ensuring the Texas government continues to serve its people well.

It offers policymakers an opportunity to review state agencies' impact, necessity, efficiency, and financial responsibility, while considering community feedback.

This cycle, several agencies that shape the lives of children and families are under review. C@R is working to ensure any proposed changes continue to uphold child well-being and family stability.

Read our recommendations to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission at: https://childrenatrisk.org/sunset-commission-recommendations-2026/

05/18/2026

We truly couldn’t make this event possible without our incredible sponsors!
Thank you to all of our partners who are helping bring the Children at Risk Golf Tournament to life at the Golf Club of Houston on Monday, June 8th.

Want to get involved and help support Texas children?
Here’s your chance to make a difference:
⛳ Sponsor a Hole
🏌️ Sponsor the Putting Contest
🚗 Become our Golf Cart Underwriter

Join an amazing community of supporters and be part building a brighter future for children across Texas

Link for more info: https://childrenatrisk.org/event/2026-children-at-risk-golf-classic/

05/15/2026

Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity’s ELQN event update!

Harris County Public Library (precinct 1)'s May 16th “Clean the Block” event has been canceled. At this time, we have not determined if or when it will be rescheduled.

Please contact HCPL's team at [email protected] with questions or for more information.

To see ELQN's most up-to-date list of events and engagement opportunities, view the public calendar at childrenatrisk.org/elqn

05/15/2026

Can AI be "Human Centered"?

In this special takeover episode of Growing Up in America: The Way It Is, guest host Dr. Chris Kulesza (aka "Dr. Data") and co-host Owala Maima (CHILDREN AT RISK) took a dive deep into the intersection of technology, education, and youth well-being.

They spoke with Austin Community College Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart about ACC’s human-centered AI initiative to predict student needs and support workforce training.

Also in this episode:

📱 School Cell Phone Bans with Texas State Representative Caroline Fairly.
🤖 AI & Precision Policies with Dr. Suresh Bhavnani (UTMB).
💡 Thriving with Generative AI with Miguel Guhlin (Texas Computer Education Association)

Listen to the full episode on our podcast here: https://rss.com/podcasts/growingupinamerica/2820393/
Tune in every Wednesday at 9am CT on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston or kpft.org.

In this special episode, Dr. Chris Kulesza (aka "Dr. Data") is joined by co-host Owala Maima, Media Communications Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, to dive into the massive opportunities and challenges surrounding children’s wellbeing in the age of rapid technological change and Artificial Intelli...

05/15/2026

✨ Save the Date! ✨
The 2026 Accolades Luncheon returns on Friday, October 16 at 11:00 AM at Hotel ZaZa – Museum District.

This year’s theme, “Advancing Opportunity Through Early Education,” celebrates the powerful impact early learning has on a child’s future while highlighting our research on top-performing schools across Texas.

CHILDREN AT RISK continues to lead the way in advancing solutions that ensure every child has access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection.

✨ Want to make a brighter future for Texas children and drive lasting impact?
Reserve your table now: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E249528&id=628

05/13/2026

📣 Harris County — we want to hear from you!
Do you live in one of these zip codes?

77015, 77029, 77044, 77049, 77530, 77532, 77547, 77021, 77033, 77047, 77051, 77048, 77379, 77027, 77036, 77056, 77057, 77072, 77074, 77081, 77099, 77009, 77022, 77032, 77037, 77039, 77060, 77076, or 77091?

Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) would like to hear about your experiences with child care and early education in your community.

✅ Take a brief community feedback survey
✅ Get $25 for your time
✅ Help inform future early learning efforts in our city

Surveys are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese and will remain open until June 18th.
Share your experience today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YLJ22TR

05/08/2026

We’re excited to share our behind the scenes FOX 26 Houston promo for the 26th Annual Birdies for Bright Futures Golf Classic, featuring longtime tournament host Melissa Wilson FOX 26 ! Huge thank you to FOX 26 for helping us spread the word, and to Melissa for her steadfast commitment to supporting Texas kids.

Join CHILDREN AT RISK, along with title sponsors BMW of Houston Midtown and BMW of Houston North , on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the beautiful Golf Club of Houston for a morning of golf, on‑course contests, and a celebratory lunch- all benefiting children across Texas. ⛳️ Start your foursome today and be part of creating brighter futures.

Register here: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E249528&id=627