The National Family Court Watch Project (NFCWP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan court observation and research initiative established in 2004. Beginning with a multi-state pilot project, NFCWP has grown into a nationwide effort focused on documenting how family courts function in practice.
To date, trained volunteers and student researchers have observed more than 3,000 family court hearings involving more than 200 judges across 13 states. Through university partnerships and educational programs, NFCWP engages students, researchers, and community volunteers in structured courtroom observation and research.
NFCWP gathers and publishes data and insights to advance stronger family court policy and practice to protect children and families. Through independent observation, research, and education, the Project seeks to improve understanding of family court processes and identify patterns and trends that emerge across jurisdictions over time.
Observers document publicly accessible court proceedings using a standardized, multi-domain observation instrument designed to collect structured, non-interpretive information regarding courtroom procedure, due process, evidence handling, family violence considerations, accessibility barriers, scheduling practices, and other institutional processes. Findings are analyzed in the aggregate and reported in de-identified form to support research, education, policy discussions, and continuous improvement efforts.
Court observers include interested citizens, students, graduate researchers, university faculty, legal professionals, and community volunteers. Participants receive training and operate under established research and confidentiality protocols.
NFCWP is the first known organization to apply a standardized courtroom observation instrument across multiple family court jurisdictions nationwide. By systematically documenting court processes over time, the Project provides a rare multi-jurisdictional view of family court operations and contributes empirical data to discussions of family court policy, practice, and public understanding.
Executive Officer
Renee E. Beeker BS, MA
Founder, President, Director, and Treasurer
director@nfcwp.org
Renee Beeker is the founder and President of the National Family Court Watch Project. A speaker and advocate for reform of the judicial system since 1996, Renee is a respected contributing member of many professional and grassroots organizations. In addition, Renee has been an invited speaker at numerous conferences around the United States. Renee’s article, “The Illusion of Protection Uncovered: Review of the Special Journal Issue on Child Custody and Domestic Violence,” was published in the Domestic Violence Report‘s February/March 2006 issue. Renee coauthored “Eyes on the Family Court: Creating an Effective Data Collection Instrument,” which was published in Family & Intimate Partner Violence Quarterly, Volume 12, Number 1, Summer 2019 Issue. ISSN 1941-7462
Renee designed a comprehensive Court Watch observational instrument currently used in the National Family Court Watch Project. Renee serves on various committees both in her state and nationally. Renee holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mount Union, Ohio, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Communications from Eastern Michigan University.
Sarah Shiozawa
Board Member
Sarah Shiozawa is a passionate advocate for family court reform and a recognized leader in public policy. With a robust government, legislative processes, and nonprofit leadership background, she has unwaveringly dedicated her career to public service and systemic change.
Holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Sarah has served at the highest levels of government, including the U.S. Senate, State Legislature, and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), where she helped shape policy and support vital initiatives. Her work with military families across the United States underscores her commitment to addressing unique challenges through targeted advocacy and support.
As a valued National Family Court Watch Project (NFCWP) member, Sarah sits on the Board of Directors as Communications Director and chairs both the Fundraising and Community Outreach Committees. In these roles, she leads efforts to secure funding, forge strategic partnerships, and enhance public awareness. Through impactful fundraising initiatives and robust community engagement, Sarah consistently works to uphold the organization’s mission of ensuring fair and just treatment for families navigating the court system.
Daniel Beeker
Board Member, Technical Support
Daniel Beeker is a U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 45 years of experience in the electronics industry. He is President and Chief Technology Officer of System Solution Specialists, LLC, and a globally recognized expert in electromagnetic compatibility, signal integrity, and physics-based PCB design.
Daniel held leadership roles at NXP Semiconductors, Motorola, and Freescale, and is widely known for his field-based approach to electronic system design and his signature message, “It’s All About the Space™.”
A Michigan resident since 1987, Daniel has been involved with the National Family Court Watch Project since its inception, providing technical and accounting support.
Sheldon Wolberg
Sheldon Wolberg is the owner of Micro Logic Inc. of West Bloomfield, Michigan. Micro Logic designs and manufactures Electronic Products for the Automotive, Industrial, and Commercial markets. Sheldon has a B.S.E. in Engineering from the University of Michigan and has been in business for over 35 years. Sheldon was born and lived all his life in Michigan and is married and has two children who are both in college. He is a long-time associate of Renee Beeker and was instrumental in bringing the NFCWP website up to full functionality.
Joe Buffa
Joe Buffa is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career spanning law, military service, and technology innovation. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1972 and a Juris Doctorate in 1975, Joe practiced law for 15 years, building a strong foundation in legal and contractual expertise.
Following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1969, Joe brought a wealth of experience to supporting the Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, providing five years of management analysis. This work encompassed evaluating hundreds of Phase II companies and recommending additional transition funding for 20 companies annually. Key areas of expertise include business planning, intellectual property strategies, marketing for both Department of Defense and commercial applications, contract and licensing strategies, and providing transition assistance to ensure program success.
With over 15 years of familiarity in SBA Policy Directives, FARs, DFARs, ITAR regulations, and SBIR technology best practices, Joe has consistently contributed to the successful transition of technologies into practical applications. Attendance at annual Army SBIR and Navy TAP programs further underscores his commitment to advancing innovation.
As the CEO of a private technology startup, Joe was honored with the Department of Energy’s Federal Laboratory Consortium Award for Excellence in Technology Transition, reflecting his achievements in bridging the gap between research and commercialization.
In his role with the National Family Court Watch Project, Joe will leverage his extensive background in research analysis, strategic planning, and systemic evaluations to strengthen the organization’s data-driven approach. His experience in managing complex programs and delivering actionable recommendations will be instrumental in enhancing the Project’s research initiatives. Joe’s ability to analyze trends, develop innovative strategies, and provide thorough, results-oriented solutions will ensure that the organization’s mission of advocating for fair and just treatment in family courts is supported by robust, evidence-based insights.