449th District Court Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt awarded 2025 Outstanding Child Advocate for Rio Grande Valley

During a ceremony in Houston, nonprofit organization Children at Risk named 449^th District Court Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt as the 2025 Outstanding Child Advocate for the Rio Grande Valley.

Children at Risk is a Texas-based organization committed to improving the quality of life for children through strategic research, public policy analysis, education, collaboration, and advocacy. The organization focuses on three key areas that help break the cycle of poverty and empower children to reach their full potential: Education, Health, and Safety & Opportunity.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be named as this year’s Outstanding Child Advocate for the Rio Grande Valley,” said Judge Betancourt. “To be recognized by an organization dedicated to driving positive change for at-risk children is deeply meaningful. This award affirms my commitment and passion for ensuring that young people in the justice system are given a meaningful opportunity for rehabilitation and a second chance at success.”

Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt was elected to the 449^th Judicial District Court in Hidalgo County in 2017. At the time of her election, she was the youngest District Judge in Texas. She currently presides over juvenile cases and is known for her commitment to balancing public safety with rehabilitation-focused outcomes for youth. Under her leadership, the court has made significant strides in implementing innovative programs that strengthen the juvenile justice system. These include the Lifelines Girl’s Juvenile Mental Health Court and the Legacy Juvenile Drug Court Program.

In 2022, Judge Rodriguez-Betancourt was honored to be appointed by Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, to serve as a Member of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, where she continues to contribute actively today. She also serves on the Board of Directors Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, and the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health Juvenile Bench Book Committee.

Judge Rodriguez-Betancourt has earned several honors for her dedication and professional achievement, including the Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award for her service and contributions to the University of Texas. She continues to play an active role in the legal community as a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation, the State Bar of Texas Juvenile Law Section, and the Hidalgo County Bar Association.

All nominees were honored during the Accolades Luncheon: The Texas Academy Awards of Child Advocacy, on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Houston, Texas.