Houston*Dallas–Fort Worth * wichita Falls
Raising Standards, Restoring Hope & Empowering Futures.
We walk alongside children and youth in Texas whose parents are incarcerated or struggling with substance abuse, with basic resources, mentors, academic coaching,counseling and advocacy.
We understand that they face profound long-lasting challenges, impacting their emotional well-being academic stability, physical health and future outcomes.
Need help for a child? Refer a family
Partners & recognition
Why we exist
A child should never serve their parent's sentence.
In Texas, tens of thousands of children go to bed tonight with a parent in a cell or in active addiction.
Children facing parental incarceration, parental substance use, and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) carry measurable, long‑term risks to their health, learning, and emotional development. These challenges are widespread, deeply harmful, and too often overlooked.
Our organization exists because these risks are widespread, deeply consequential, and preventable when communities step in with strong, trauma‑informed support.
These kids aren’t broken — they’re carrying something too heavy, alone. Our organization, STANDARDS exist to stand in the gap.
Houston* Dallas–Fort Worth*Wichita Falls
Our mission
“We restore stability, dignity, and opportunity for children affected by parental incarceration and substance abuse.”
Impact by the numbers
480+
Families supported
12,600
Mentorship hours
9
Communities served
94%
Students promoted a grade
Our programs
Four ways we show up for families
Each program answers a real, immediate need in a child’s life.
Mentoring
A consistent, caring adult in a child's life every single week.
Basic Needs
Food, clothing, school supplies and emergency support for families in crisis.
Mental Health & Tutoring
Counseling referrals and academic support that meet kids where they are.
Parent Rehabilitation Advocacy
Walking with parents through reentry, recovery, and reunification.
How it works
Helping takes three simple steps
Learn about a family in need
Read the real situations facing children in our programs across DFW and Houston.
Choose how to help
Give a one-time or monthly gift, volunteer as a mentor, or refer a family to us.
See your impact
We report back with stories and numbers so you know exactly what your support did.
Stories of impact
In their words
“My son had a mentor within two weeks. For the first time since his dad went away, he wanted to go to school.”
Danielle R.
Parent, Fort Worth
“They didn’t treat us like a case file. They brought groceries and then they stayed for dinner.”
Marcus T.
Grandparent caregiver, Houston
“STANDARDS helped me finish treatment and get my kids back home. That’s the whole story.”
Alicia W.
Program parent, Dallas
Your gift changes a child's story.
Every dollar and every hour goes straight to a child who needs someone in their corner.
Latest news
From the STANDARDS blog
Get in touch
Questions, referrals, or partnerships
We answer every message within two business days.
- info@standards-aag.org
- (469) 555-0142
- Serving Dallas–Fort Worth & Houston, Texas