The Children’s Voice SPEAKI NG OUT AN D DRIVI NG CHANG E FOR CHILDRE N
Summer ‘10
an update from
Upcoming Events Mark your calendars for the following events:
July 14th: The Future of Dallas’ Children This inaugural conference will explore trends and emerging issues affecting Dallas’ children.
August 3rd: The Future of Houston’s Children
CHILDREN AT RISK will engage participants in a thought-provoking conference focused on current trends for children in Houston.
August 10th: Legal History of Children CLE Beginning with Hammurabi’s’ code, Dr. Christopher Greeley will present the fascinating evolution of childrelated laws.
August 12th: 2nd Annual Faith Summit
In partnership, CHILDREN AT RISK will engage the faith community through prayer and advocacy while kicking off the 2010 Week of Prayer for Our Children and Youth.
August 15-21: 2010 Week of Prayer for Our Children and Youth
SAVE THE DATE! October 14th: Accolades Luncheon Led by Chairs Mr. and Mrs. Craig Cordola of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, CHILDREN AT RISK will host its annual Accolades luncheon to honor outstanding Houstonians for their work on behalf of children. We will also reveal the newest 20102012 edition of Growing Up in Houston.
Texas Public School Rankings:
How Do Our Schools Measure Up? For the much anticipated release of its 5th Annual Public School Rankings, CHILDREN AT RISK spent the month of April in a whirlwind traveling across Texas to reveal our state’s best—and worst— public schools to curious educators, parents, and students. Through strong partnerships with the Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, San Antonio Express-News, Austin American Statesman, and The Texas Tribune— as well as four successful press conferences across the state—CHILDREN AT RISK raised significant awareness on the successes and failures of local schools as well as the best practices of these found at the top of the list. From Dallas to Houston, CHILDREN AT RISK has been welcomed happily into a top school in each city—including School of Science and Engineer ing in Dallas and DeBakey High School for Health Professions in Houston—and witnessed the true talent and passion of the leaders of our state’s finest schools. Indeed, in Houston, we can boast some of the best schools in the state. DeBakey, Carnegie Vanguard, and Kerr High Schools (Houston’s 1, 2, and 3) are among the top ten high schools in Texas. At the middle and elementary levels, HISD’s Energized for Excellence Middle, Lanier Middle, T. H. Rogers School, and Barbara Bush Elementary also deserve considerable recognition, ranking among the ten best in the state. By looking at the top ranked schools, we can readily observe successful models of public education in our own backyard. As we looked at this year’s best schools across the state, certain commonalities became clear: high expectations for all students, more time on task, smaller learning communities, and exceptional teachers with missionary zeal. These themes carry across many of Texas’ top schools, and can be illustrated by some campuses we know well.
At DeBakey High School for Health Professions, high expectations are set for students early on, with all students required to take a rigorous curriculum which includes AP Calculus, and with students soaring above and beyond expectations. Continued on page 4.
CHILDREN AT RISK is looking for Friends to help expand our reach and advocacy for Texas youth! The Friends of Our Children program is a year-long membership that is available for a donation of $100 dollars or $10 a month. Perks include: discounted or free tickets to special events, an opportunity to travel to Austin to advocate for Texas youth, a special evening reception for Friends, and a monthly e-newsletter. To learn more, call 713-869-7740 or go to www.childrenatrisk.org/friend !
HONORARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Maconda Brown O’ Connor, Ph.D. Dr. Carolyn Farb, h.c. Rev. William Lawson Diana Davila Martinez Virginia McFarland James S. Mickelson Richard W. Mithoff Rev. Joe Samuel Ratliff Jack Segal, Rabbi Emeritus Melissa Wilson
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jason Bailey The Downtown Club Philamena Baird Community Volunteer Bob Baker El Paso Corporation Christopher Borreca Thompson Horton Mary Botkin Willis Andy Buttacavoli Sara Lee Foodservice Will Denham Abrams Scott & Bickley, L.L.P Angelo Giardino, MD, PhD Texas Children’s Health Plan & Baylor College of Medicine Christopher Greeley, MD UT Health Sciences Center Lauren Harrison Conner & Winters Regay M. Hildreth RMH Marketing & Media James Holtz Holtz & Wright Pam Humphrey ACE USA Toby Hynes Gulf States Toyota, Inc. George Jordan III Fulbright & Jaworski Shelda Keith Logix Communications Susan Kellner Spring Branch ISD Board Member Jane Lehman Attorney Susan Lindberg Attorney Michael Maher Presenture Susan Mullins Brisbane Gifts with Heart Anne Nemer Strategic Marketing Services Larry Payne Educational Excellence Resource Group, LLC Alyssa Rodriguez UBS Financial Services David Roylance Prism Energy Solutions Lynn Sessions Texas Children’s Hospital Jeffrey Starke, M.D. Ben Taub General Hospital Texas Children’s Hospital Myron F. Steves, Jr. Myron Steves Sibila Vargas Fox 26 News Lisa Wallace Community Volunteer\ Robert Westendarp Griffin Americas Drew Wilson Thomson Reuters Frazier Wilson, Ed.D. Shell Oil Company Robert Zincke Former President, Kroger Robert Sanborn, Ed.D. President & CEO
Greetings from CHILDREN AT RI
SK:
We’re just past the half way mar k of 2010 and we have exciting news to share on several fronts! recent highlights are: A few of
our
• Our Legislative Fellows prog ram is underway with 9 fantastic attorneys hailing from Austin, Dallas. Providing research and Houston and legal expertise, these individuals will be invaluable to our work to Texas’ 82nd Legislative Sess leading up ion. CHILDREN AT RISK con tinues to push forward on seve concern the well-being of chil ral issues that dren including access to nutr ition al foods, the quality of our pub and ending human trafficking lic schools, in our state. • A BIG thank you to The Mea dows Foundation for their gene rous supp ort of CHILDREN AT RISK’s ongoing work to better divert youth with mental health need s from the juvenile justice syste strong beginning in Har ris Cou m. With a nty, we hope to continue our effort to spark model mental across Texas that effectively use health courts community resources to serve the needs of our troubled teen • CHILDREN AT RISK succ s. essfully launched our Center for Philanthropy and Children, our Spring Workshop Series “Ho beginning with uston’s Future, Houston’s Chi ldre n: Philanthropic and Social Solu A special thank you to all of our tions. partners—particularly The Free s Foundation—for their guidance and collaboration. , support, • Our 4th annual gala was a smashing success! Welcoming 2010 Grammy Award Winner June 11th, the evening—led by Randy Travis on Chair Dr. Carolyn Farb, h.c.— honored Congressman Ted Poe commitment to end human traffi for his cking, featured a phenomenal performance by our country exciting live auction, and VIP crooner, an reception. Special thanks to our Honorary Chairs President Geo and Mrs. Barbara Bush and our rge Bush presenting sponsor Mercedes-Be • Our 10th annual Melissa Wil nz! son Golf Classic was the best in CH ILDREN AT RISK history! Loc premier Woodlands Tournament ated at the Course, Chairs Philamena Bair d and Toby Hynes, along with Host Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 Tournament are to thank for this successfu l even t. Thank you to our golfing supp who came to enjoy a beautiful orters day on the course! • The CHILDREN AT RIS K family continues to grow with the latest additions to our staff Rivera who is leading our state , Tanya Makanywide juvenile justice and men tal health efforts, and Ben Wel heading up our Friends of Our ls who is Children Campaign, social med ia, and education policy efforts. we are both elated and saddened In addition, to be reporting that our Deputy Director, Diana Zarzuelo, is off her Master’s in Public Policy at to begin the Harvard Kennedy School in the Fall! • Other events on the horizon : our first Future of Dallas’s Chi ldren Conference this July, our of Prayer for Our Children in 2nd Annual Week August, and a Fall Legislative Briefing in Austin to jump start • Finally, mark your calendar the session. s for October 14th for our annu al Accolades Luncheon! Thank you Board members, Adv isory Board members, collabora tors and friends of CHILDREN Without your continued supp AT RISK. ort, we would not be on our way to becoming a force for chil dren across Texas! Very yours truly,
Dr. Bob Sanborn President and CEO sanborn@childrenatrisk.org
P.S. Are you a Friend of Chi ldren? Go to www.childrenatrisk.org /friends to lear n more!
CHILDREN AT RISK Staff Dr. Robert Sanborn President & CEO Diana Zarzuelo Deputy Director Jaime Hanks Director of Strategic Partnerships Caroline Holcombe Project Coordinator Laura Nelson Project Coordinator Ben Wells Project Coordinator Sara Prentice Operations Coordinator Richard Kerr Business Manager
Mandi Sheridan Kimball Director, Public Policy and Government Affairs
Interns & Legislative Law Fellows Fellows
Jennifer Solak Senior Staff Attorney
Allison Colb
Dawn Lew Staff Attorney
Kate Donnelly Katy Holton Teddy Holtz
Sarah Bremmer Vinson & Elkins LLP Ashley Frankson Fullbright & Jaworski LLP
Margot Dankner Tanya Makany-Rivera Public Policy Coordinator
Carolyn Malicki Filsa Masood
Karen Clark Harpold Staff Attorney,Writer
Stephanie Morrison
Rashena Lindsay Public Relations Consultant
Catherine Perry
Laila Nabi Brittany Taylor Hillary Thornton
Alexandra Montgomery Futurist/Researcher
Megan Waterman Jaime Westendarp
Meredith Gardiner Deloitte LLP Kirby Hopkins Drucker, Rutledge & Smith LLP Allan Johnson Vinson & Elkins LLP Sarah Keegan Attorney
Eric Otness Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Robert Peters Vinson & Elkins LLP Emily Shields Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP
For more information on internships, go to www.childrenatrisk.org
A Friend of the Court
Speaking Out on Behalf of Child Trafficking Victims Dr. Bob Sanborn , Representative Senfronia Thomps Representative Ra on, ndy Weber, and Senator Leticia Va n de Putte
Great news! The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled that a child under fourteen is legally incapable of consenting to commercial sex acts with an adult. This means that child victims of sexual exploitation shall be entitled to the protection they deserve instead of being treated as criminals. The case involved a thirteen year-old child who was arrested for prostitution. CHILDREN AT RISK submitted an amicus brief in the case written by staff attorney Karen Harpold, and our “Report on Legislation Impacting Children” was cited in the decision. This is a major victory for child trafficking victims, and it is a step in the right direction towards ensuring that these children receive the comprehensive rehabilitative services they need. In addition, CHILDREN AT RISK brought together partners from across the state for its two Texas Summits on the Trafficking and Exploitation of Children. The first Summit, held in Dallas on February 23, featured a key note address by Attorney General Greg Abbott, as well as a panel discussion with Representatives Rafael Anchia, Carol Kent, Paula Pierson, and Randy Weber.
The day was a great success and highlighted key areas for dialogue including the need for a Texas safe house for domestic trafficking victims; how to utilize the law to seek civil remedies for trafficking victims; and the creative anti-trafficking solutions that other states have employed. For the conference hosted in Houston on April 15, we were privileged to have a keynote address from Senator Leticia Van de Putte, as well as the input of Representatives Senfronia Thompson and Randy Weber on a panel devoted to viable legislative solutions in Texas’ anti-trafficking movement. Other topics included the current state of Houston’s response to the runaway crisis, and its connection to human trafficking, as well as how Waco has implemented a “john” school to try to curb the demand side of the commercial sexual exploitation crisis. With all the great momentum that is swelling in the community, we are excited to move forward with our work to establish a safe house for domestic minor victims and to push for important change for human trafficking victims during Texas’ 82nd Legislative Session.
Launching a Statewide Effort to Improve Our Juvenile Justice System Thanks to the generous support of the Meadows Foundation, CHILDREN AT RISK will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the juvenile mental health courts across Texas to identify the current gaps in services and best practices utilized in Bexar, El Paso, Harris, and Travis Counties, as well as the collaborative program in Tarrant County. More than 50% of youth in Texas’ juvenile justice system have a mental health diagnosis—significantly higher than the 20% estimated for the general youth population. In addition, incarceration costs considerably more than providing community-based supervision and treatment programs for juvenile offenders. Currently, placing juveniles in community-based programs such as residential contract care rather than the Texas Youth Commission, which is considered the “prison for kids,” would save a minimum of $12,000 to $14,000 per child per year. Mental health courts, and partnerships informally created with local mental health service providers, have been utilized effectively to identify youth with complex mental health needs and divert them to comprehensive community based treatment.
However, to date there have been no independent evaluations of juvenile mental health courts in Texas released. Juvenile justice studies of wraparound initiatives not specific to Texas indicate a number of positive outcomes for participants, including decreased likelihood of engaging in delinquent behaviors; improved school attendance, performance and behavior; decreased involvement with police; and reduced recidivism. Thanks to the generous support of the Meadows Foundation, CHILDREN AT RISK will conduct a statewide assessment that will provide public officials with the information needed to support the appropriation of additional funding for effective mental health courts and community-based services during the 82nd Legislative Session in 2011. The report will serve as the foundation for CHILDREN AT RISK and fellow child and mental health advocates across the state to inform policymakers of the changes that need to be made at a local and state level. CHILDREN AT RISK will also include in this report a handbook, for counties to implement and expand juvenile mental health courts to better serve the complex mental needs of these youth. Keep an eye out for future updates on our findings!
Teeing it Up for Children!
10th Annual Melissa Wilson Golf Classic
On Monday, May 10th, the tenth annual Melissa Wilson Golf Classic benefiting CHILDREN AT RISK returned to the Tournament Course of the Woodlands Country Club, one of the most prestigious courses in Houston. At the helm were tournament Co-Chairs Philamena Baird and Toby Hynes, and Tournament Directors Bob Snyder and Justin Curren. The day began with delicious boxed lunches provided by local Houston restaurant Post Oak Grill, followed by a day of fantastic golf with friends and fellow CHILDREN AT RISK supporters.
Tournament Winners! Tony Pour, Judge John Phillips, Mike Speck, and Pat Jeggers
Dr. Bob Sanborn, Melissa Wilson, Philamena Baird, and Toby Hynes
Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 served as Tournament Host and lent her special touch through surprise activities at almost every hole. Golfers had the opportunity to enjoy massages from the Houston School of Massage, eat steak grilled right before their eyes by the Outback Steakhouse, and win fabulous prizes—including a chance to win a 2010 Toyota Prius! Golfers stuck around for a delicious Tex Mex dinner buffet prepared by the Woodlands Country Club and an exclusive Live Auction. Thank you to all who made this year’s tournament such an incredible success!
CHILDREN AT RISK : Like Us? Find Where We’re @ on Social Media CHILDREN AT RISK is breaking new ground through social media and the Internet, allowing our research and advocacy for Texas youth to reach a wider audience. CHILDREN AT RISK is engaging new communities and supporters on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter. Even CHILDREN AT RISK’s President, Dr. Bob Sanborn, is tweeting! We will be increasing the ability of CHILDREN AT RISK to advocate and speak up for Texas youth by integrating social media platforms, working to visualize our data in new ways, and integrating social media users and conversations with our traditional outreach. If you have questions about our social media platform don’t hesitate to contact Ben Wells at bwells@ childrenatrisk.org.
Dr. Bob Sanborn, DeBakey High School principal Linda Lazenby, and Houston ISD School Board member Paula Harris
Texas Public School Rankings (cont.) Students at KIPP Houston High School achieve tremendous results by spending a significant amount of extra time in the classroom, and are in school from 7:25am to 5:00pm during the week, for four hours on Saturdays, and for an extra month during the summer. In Dallas ISD, six of the top ten high schools in the area are small, autonomous, and theme-based learning communities housed on a single campus, the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. And, at all of the top schools, teachers play a key role in ensuring the success of their campus, always going the extra mile to support, engage and challenge their students. Nevertheless, as each award was handed to Texas’ best schools for our youth, CHILDREN AT RISK was continually reminded of the many children across Texas who are underserved by their local school, at risk of dropping out, and failing to benefit from the best social program around. In fact, a disproportionate number of Houston high schools (around 36%) fall in the bottom quartile, or fourth tier, of the state.
RANK
CAMPUS
DISTRICT
1
School of Science & Engineering
Dallas ISD
2
School for the Talented & Gifted
Dallas ISD
3
DeBakey H S for Health Professions Houston ISD
4
Carnegie Vanguard High School
Houston ISD
5
School of Health Professions
Dallas ISD
6
Health Careers High School
Northside ISD
7
Highland Park High School
Highland Park ISD
8
The Science Academy of South TX
South Texas ISD
9
Kerr High School
Alief Isd
10
Magnet Center for Public Servies
Dallas ISD
This disparity increases when we look at economically disadvantaged high school students – nearly half of whom are enrolled in Tier 4 high schools. Thus, while Houston offers some superior models of quality public education, the disparities we experience in our public education system allows too many students to fall behind. As a research and advocacy organization, CHILDREN AT RISK ranks public schools not to throw low-performing schools onto the fire, but rather to encourage parents and members of the community to speak out for the needs of the next generation. By bringing the data on school performance to the public, CHILDREN AT RISK enables parents to see how their school fares and to demand more for their children.
Dr. Bob Sanborn, DeBakey Principal Linda Lazenby, and HISD School Board member Paula Harris
As a San Antonio resident describes, “Unfortunately my community has turned a blind eye to the significantly low performance of our education system. This data has helped me bring to light what needs to be addressed and why.”
Summer Film Series As school lets out, Houston’s Young Professionals Engaged for Kids (HYPE for Kids) members are ensuring that the Houston community is receiving their recommended dose of knowledge for the summer. This year’s summer film series will bring awareness to a few of the most pressing issues facing Texas’s children by featuring a provocative short film and expert on childhood obesity, education, and human trafficking. HYPE for Kids is a group of young professionals dedicated to bettering the lives of Houston’s and Texas’s children. Visit us at www.facebook.com/hype for notices on our upcoming events and to learn more about how you can get involved!
An Evening with Randy Travis...
Standing Up for Houston’s Children “Awareness surrounding human trafficking is a scarcity in our state. This crime steals the innocence, dignity and freedom of its victims. I am proud to partner with CHILDREN AT RISK to further their effective work to end child trafficking within Houston and across Texas. Together we can shine a light on this industry that thrives in darkness.” -U.S. Congressman Ted Poe For the 4th year in a row, CHILDREN AT RISK hosted a fabulous evening of fine dining and entertainment for a very serious cause—to end modern day slavery for children across Texas. There is an estimated 150,000 American children trafficked in the United States each year. Their innocent lives are lost to a world of forced labor or sexual exploitation. A more shocking statistic—Houston is a major American hub of both international and domestic human trafficking. To support CHILDREN AT RISK’s efforts in their continued fight against child trafficking, this year’s event featured a marvelous dinner by Cordua Catering and a stellar performance by Grammy Award Winner Randy Travis. We were privileged to have President George Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush serve as Honorary Chairs. As they put it, “CHILDREN AT RISK is a shining example of people working together to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable citizens, our children.” We salute President Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush for their continued support of CHILDREN AT RISK and children everywhere.
Randy Travis and Carolyn Farb
Deborah and David Roylance
During the program, CHILDREN AT RISK honored the leadership and advocacy of U.S. Congressman Ted Poe with its 2010 Annual Founders Award for his efforts to protect children and victims during his three terms representing the 2nd Congressional District of Texas in the United States House of Representatives. The program was followed by a special performance by the vocal power of a Country Legend Randy Travis. Over 400 public guests joined us for his crooning sounds and cheered along to songs like “Forever and Ever Amen” and “Deeper Than the Holler”. What an evening to remember!
Dr. Bob Sanborn, Carol Poe, U.S. Congressman Ted Poe and Dr. Carolyn Farb
The Gala would have not been possible without the shining light of Dr. Carolyn Farb, whose magic touched lives of all who attended that evening. As a leading voice in philanthropy and a model for humanity, Dr. Farb enhanced the evening with her limitless grace and passion to fight for the children in Texas. Our warmest and most deserved appreciation to Dr. Carolyn Farb. This night would not have been the same without her leadership.
We were also privileged to have the support of individual philanthropists, corporations and foundations. Some of those who were: Mercedes-Benz Lucia and Michael Cordua American General Life Companies Continental Airlines El Paso Corporation Clear Channel Outdoor A very special thank you to our many benevolent in-kind donors! Your presence and generosity helps us continue to build widespread awareness throughout our community, as well as support our efforts to establish a safe house for young victims in Houston. Thank you.
Dr. Bob Sanborn, Janet Zincke, Bob Zincke and Dr. Carolyn Farb
Advisory Boards Law
James Jordan Macquarie Bank Limited,
Rowena Young
Bob Baker El Paso Corporation
Karyl Lawson
Chris Borreca Thompson and Horton, LLP
Mark Lee AIG/American General Life
Daniel Plake
Jane Lehman
Silvia Mintz Plake and Mintz, PLLC
Melanie Bragg Legal Insight Shelly Buchman NRG Texas, LLC Katherine Cabaniss Crimestoppers Rachel Clingman Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, LLP Judie Cross Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP Will Denham Abrams, Scott & Bickley, LLP Dennis Duffy Baker Botts, LLP Christopher Ege Brown McCarroll, LLP Kat Gallagher Vinson & Elkins, LLP Sally Green Thurgood Marshall School of Law Greene Shelley Edler & Van Kerrebrook, LLP James Holtz Hotlz & Wright Bruce Hurley King & Spalding George Jordan Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP
Houston Representative Office
Insurance Company
Susan Lindberg Attorney Michael Maher Karen Maston
Johnson, Spalding, Doyle & Trent, LLP
John Meredith Duke Millard
Strong, Pipkin, Bissell & Ledyard LLP
Shelby Moore South Texas College of Law Katharine Newman ConocoPhillips Susan Pennebaker, Esq. Pennebaker Jill Schaar Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP Lisa Sherrill Ann Stephens Shell Oil Company Katrina Stilwell Shell Oil Company Andrew Strong Texas A&M University System
Plake and Mintz, PPLC
Public Policy Wafa Abdin Catholic Charities Mitzi Bartlett Search/House of Tiny Treasures Alex Byrd RICE University Rep. Ellen Cohen State Representative Laurie Glaze One Voice Texas Brian Greene Houston Food Bank Harvey Hetzel Harris County Juvenile
Probation Department
Angela Hodson Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston Council Member Jarvis Johnson Council Member Joseph Lee Joint City/County Commission on
Children
Joel Levine Harris County Protective
Services for Children and Adults
Dr. Kim Lopez St. Lukes Episcopal Health Charities Rosie Valdez-McStay Texas Children’s Hospital Christina Mintner Harris County Hospital District Michelle Mitchell Catholic Charities Larry Payne CHILDREN AT RISK Janet Pozmantier CHILDBUILDERS Carroll Robinson Texas Southern University Betin Santos Environmental Policy Expert Ann Stiles
Project Grad Houston
Elaine Stolte Children’s Assessment Center Dr. Steve Schnee MHMRA Betsy Schwartz Mental Health Association Maria Trujillo Rescue and Restore Dr. Jonita Wallace Gulf Coast Community Services
Association
SPEAKI NG OUT AN D DRIVI NG CHANG E FOR CHILDRE N
2010 Major Donors: Academy Sports + Outdoors ACE Insurance Administaff American General Life Companies Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Baylor Methodist Community Health Fund BNP PARIBAS Dennis Proctor El Paso Corporation The Embrey Family Foundation ENI Petroleum Friend of CHILDREN AT RISK The George Foundation The Hope for Initiative for Better Health Foundation/Mrs. Sallymoon Benz and Dr. Alan Bentz Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable Trust H-E-B Tournament of Champions Kiwanis Foundation Of Houston Marsha Montemayor The Meadows Foundation Memorial Hermann Hospital System Mercedes-Benz MJC Events/Lucia and Michael Cordúa Morgan Stanley Investment Banking Division Ray C. Fish Foundation Reliant Energy
Mission The mission of CHILDREN AT RISK is to improve the quality of life of Greater Houston’s children through strategic research, public policy analysis, community education, collaboration and advocacy. The Public Policy and Law Center was established both as an outgrowth of CHILDREN AT RISK’s longtime research and advocacy work and in response to the American Bar Association’s recent appeal to the private bar in its Report on the Legal Needs of Harris County Children to “get involved and use its legal expertise on behalf of Houston’s children.” Led by an Advisory Board of more than 30 leaders in Houston’s legal and business community, the PPLC’s mission is to utilize law, advocacy and public policy as tools to improve the quality of life for the children of greater Houston and Texas. Areas of focus include education, children’s health, juvenile justice, and immigration.
Children in the Greater Houston area need a voice every day. Wherever policy is made, agendas planned, or funds allocated, CHILDREN AT RISK works to ensure that children are represented. We improve the lives of many children through research and positive changes in programs and laws. Our highly respected research publication, Growing Up in Houston: Assessing the Quality of Life of Our Children, is valued by the community and policy makers and is used to identify gains and remaining threats to our children. CHILDREN AT RISK speaks out and drives change for children with a strong and experienced public policy voice.
Ron and Natasha Holley Shell Oil Company St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities Susman Godfrey LLP Scotia Capital Texas Children’s Hospital Wells Fargo Energy Group United Way of Greater Houston
CHILDREN AT RISK 2900 Weslayan, Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77027
Non Profit Permit 6062 U. S. Postage Paid Houston TX
To make a donation or for more information: CHILDREN AT RISK 2900 Weslayan, Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77027 713-869-7740 info@childrenatrisk.org www.childrenatrisk.org