Center for Judicial Excellence

I have been working for CJE as an intern for about a month now. I love how my team members are so dedicated to making changes in our failed court system when it comes to protecting our vulnerable children in the family court. The family court system often fails to protect children by leaving them in the custody of a parent who may be a perpetrator in family court cases. For nearly two decades, CJE has been tirelessly advocating for the proper training of judges, counselors, and other court employees in handling domestic violence cases. It's truly an honor for me to be part of this dedicated team, contributing to their impactful advocacy efforts.

The Center for Judicial Excellence strives to help people who have been unjustly and adversely affected by court decisions primarily by asking for policy changes. They have been incredibly effective in their mission to have court reform and to raise awareness at the number of children murdered or harmed after court decisions that were aberrant and did not conform to laws or legal rules.

Hello all! My name is Mara Tissera Luna, I'm an independent research consultant based in Silicon Valley, CA. I worked as a research consultant for CJE between April and September 2022 to produce an advocacy report with policy recommendations to prevent child deaths during divorce and separation proceedings. This was a co-production, participatory research, so it involved many meetings and discussions with the CJE team to ensure the final advocacy report be actionable and as helpful as possible for CJE's advocacy work.

I've worked for and with over 11 national NGOs, international agencies, and universities in/for 13 countries in total, and I can confidently say that CJE is amongst the most dedicated, passionate teams with whom I've ever worked. Their team is highly knowledgeable because each staff has several years of professional experience in the field, and they're very generous with their knowledge. They've achieved great progress in the field of family courts, and they've been essential in raising awareness on the issue of preventable child deaths during divorce and separation proceedings.

It is with great honor to have met Kathleen. I have never met any one who is so passionate about her work to help the unfortunate parents and children who are victims of the abusers and the court system. This organization deserves more attention to stop the ongoing abuse that are being neglected by the justice system.

This organization has heart. Center for Judicial Excellence is a relentless watchdog on the family law judiciary, holding California's judges to the highest standards as they dispense orders that directly impact children across the State. I am so proud of CJE's hard work, grit, and profound empathy for children.

Excellent nonprofit addressing an underserved population.

CJE is a champion in pioneering legislation that will protect children and parents who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. Their work has already made a difference in so many lives and they will continue to fight for justice in a broken family court system that needs to be educated on the current scientific research. Children's lives will be saved by supporting CJE in their efforts.

As a Board Member, CJE is dedicated to reforming the family court system to protect children from abuse. CJE makes every dollar stretch to develop the research needed to inform its advocacy efforts at the State and Federal levels; and support those struggling to protect their children.

Rayne

I was connected with The Center for Judicial Excellence by another friend who has gone through a similar situation like myself. Our children were taken away from us through the injustice family court system and sent to a reunification camp. Kathleen Russell and everyone at CJE works tirelessly advocating for legislative reform in regards to protecting our children. Our family court system is atrociously failing and Kathleen Russell has been a pivotal proponent to contest the debunked theory of PAS (parental alienation syndrome). I am beyond grateful that I've been connected with CJE. They gave me a voice and also educated me that with my voice, I, too, can make a difference in legislative change. I can honestly say that Kathleen Russell and her team at CJE are the hardest working people who have the utmost passion in making sure our children are safe.

I have worked with Center for Judicial Excellence since 2008. The organzation is focused on encouraging improvements in the California judiciary and protecting the safety of children in family court. CJE has been extremely effective in each strategy they have begun. The shocking child homicide data developed by CJE has been critical in moving the issue of children being placed at risk forward, showing the stark need for court personnel training in domestic violence and child abuse. CJE's policy direction is also excellent. They have educated policy makers remarkably well in California and the US Congress., while consistently developing stories for the print and television media to educate the general public on the family court crisis. California is fortunate to have CJE.

When I was at my lowest, my children and I extremely hurt by the Family court system, I found CJE and thus a community of support and a source of education with a passion for truth and justice. The relationships and connections I’ve made because of CJE are continuing to richly bless my family, protect my children, and keep us on a path toward true healing. With the help of CJE, I am becoming informed and involved in how to volunteer my own time, promote legislative change and support other survivors of family court injustices.

Most people are unaware that custody courts have failed to integrate current scientific research and routinely use professionals without the specialized knowledge about domestic violence and child abuse that is needed. As a result, custody courts are tilted towards abusive fathers and hurting children. The Center for Judicial Excellence is the leading organization in promoting needed reform. Their research that over 860 children have been murdered in the last 13 years, mostly by abusive fathers and because of the outdated and discredited practices demonstrate the need for reform better than anything.

Kathleen Russell mobilized the vast resources of the Center for Judicial Excellence for use during my trial. She provided data, information, contacts and research that helped combat the nefarious allegation of parental alienation and helped save my son from forced reunifcation camps with his abuser. I am completely indebted to CJE and would like to give credit to Kathleen Russell for her hard work, professionalism and dedication to the mission of saving children and being a powerful voice against the court’s injustices.

The Center for Judicial Excellence does incredible work advocating for legislative reforms to better protect children and protective parents, as well as providing direct support to families who have been faced with injustice from the family court system. They are so deserving of any support to continue to further their vital work.

They do great work to protect children whose parents are divorcing!

Kathleen and the team at CJE are beyond dedicated to the work of protecting children and mothers. Their advocacy reaches every layer of our society, from media and journalism to politics and policy, to the empowerment and uplifting of protective mothers. Their data collection work has helped to inform legislators at the state and national levels, and made child safety a priority for those in power. I am proud to support an organization that stands with kids and supports domestic violence survivors.

CJE is an exemplary nonprofit led by a dedicated executive director in Kathleen Russell. Kathleen and her team of professionals and volunteers are committed to the cause of ensuring that the judicial system protects the safety of children and CJE's record of success in advocating for legislation to do so at the state and federal level is impressive. CJE has been a leader in persuading the House to pass a federal resolution prioritizing child safety as the first priority in adjudication of custody/visitation and is currently working to enact binding legislation that would provide financial incentives to states to better train family court judges in child safety and family violence issues. In the midst of its advocacy, CJE is training the next set of leaders in preventing family violence. Associating with CJE has been an honor and a privilege.

CJE puts on really great events for education and is serving a really important group of parents who are often overlooked and disregarded by the family court system. They are working hard on legislative efforts, and were instrumental in getting SB654 passed in CA.

The Center for Judicial Excellence plays an important role in seeking justice in our legal system advancing solutions for the many challenges that citizens face.

I am proud to lend my support.

Kathleen Russell is an amazing advocate for children! She has tirelessly dedicated herself to championing children’s rights in the flawed context of the family court system. She seeks to effect change through policy and education and uses documented evidence, science and data to bolster the protection of innocent children from family abuse and from abuses inherent in the legal system. The data and resources that The Center for Judicial Excellence provides is eye opening and is bound to ultimately result in more legislative change and saving children. I’ve chosen to financially support CJE through monetary donations because of the efficacy of their work and the efficiency of their programs. Kathleen is a real live super hero for children all across America!

As a victim of the family courts system myself, I am grateful to CJE for the support they offer and for putting other protected mothers in touch with one another for an added layer of support. The atrocities that many protected families face in the family courts is just another form of abuse and CJE’s work to hold the judges accountable will change the future of our family court system. Thank you for fighting the fight!

I am proud to support CJE's incredible work and mission to protect children in family courts and bring awareness and accountability reform to the U.S. judiciary system. Their approach to change and advocacy is well-informed, strategic, and diligent. They have done big things and are unrelenting in their mission, 15 years strong--still so much work to be done, happy to support!

CJE is doing much needed work, creating a database of children murdered as a result of family court failures.
CJE has become a voice for children whose voices were unnecessarily taken away.

The Center for judicial excellence is doing valuable, important and urgent work in the world. Kathleen Russell works tirelessly to affect change in the judicial system and advocate for children and parents. It is truly hard to believe how the court system orders children back into abusive homes and the results are got wrenching. I am proud to be a part of this organization and encourage everyone to learn more.

CJE has been instrumental to bringing change to the family court crisis. We have worked directly with Kathleen Russell and know CJE’s dedication to getting the facts know and stories shared to help bring new legislation forward.

I initially learned about the wonderful work of the Center for Judicial Excellence when we had the privilege of Mr. Barry Goldstein, visit our state of MN in Oct. of 2017 for a D.V. rally. One of the various facts he mentioned was C.J.E. tracks research relating to child murders, by a parent during custody disputes. Shortly thereafter i went on C.J.E.'s web site & printed the "Championing Children's Rights: Our Top 11 in 11 Years." What especially caught my attention was the fact C.J.E ., "protects vulnerable children in the family court system." Fourteen years ago my only child/ daughter, was murdered by her, abusive "father." (My then ex-husband) I fought so hard to protect her from the time she was a newborn until her, "almost 6th birthday." Unfortunately, because of our failed family court system, my daughter lost her life. For years I have been searching for some way to be a voice for her and so many other families enduring horrendous experiences. (I always thought the "system," was supposed to protect us.) This past August, the Battered Women's Justice Project, introduced us to C.J.E. as well as California Protective Parents. Less than a month later, and after several e-mails back and forth and on line meetings, a friend & I were invited to Washington D.C. to meet with other protective parents for child empowerment and safety. We spent four days with Kathleen Russell, learning more about their in- depth research, and important advocacy work. It was so encouraging and empowering when we met with members of Congress and asked for their support of the H. Con. Res. 72, which "gives states guidance that they should make safety the first priority in custody and parenting adjudications." It was such an honor to meet Kathleen as well as her team. I so appreciated her passion and knowledge, it was contagious. So many protective parents willing to share their experiences with losing their children to an abusive parent. I am grateful to know these individuals who tirelessly work to improve lives and speak up for individuals who cannot for various reasons. Thank you so very much for all you do C.J.E.! I will never forget our experience in D.C.!

CJE works tirelessly on a local, state and national level to protect children and inform the public about how highly dysfunctional our court system is and the harm that it and child protective services has on families and innocent children.

I advocate for people who are having trouble obtaining viable medical treatment because of a flaw of science written into public health policies. One of the areas which causes these people the most problems is bias in the courts which causes the harmful flaw to continue in policies and physician educational materials.

Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of working with Center for Judicial Excellence (CJE) in matters where our interests dovetail. I can unequivocally state that CJE and their Director Kathleen Russell are always professional in the approach and effective with their efforts. This is a nonprofit organization that is truly making a difference.

I recently met one of the many parents who is able to emotionally and mentally survive her painful situation through the help and support of CJE. Hearing her story was gut-wrenching. Multiply her story hundreds of times and this the reason why Center of Judicial Excellence under the leadership of the amazing self-less director Kathleen Russell and her many volunteers and supporters are an important fabric in our society. Thank you for CJE!

CJE is a phenomenal tiny non-profit that is helping "move mountains," as Kathleen Russell's consulting practice puts it. They were critical contributors to a group effort to get H.Con.Res. 72 - on child safety in family courts - adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives. Kathleen's repeated trips east, along with trainings, and organizing of grassroots groups and individuals, and intensive lobbying efforts did the job - one we've been waiting for for over 4 years. Kathleen has expertise in Congressional advocacy and is a skilled communicator, and helped create a powerful graphic map of over 600 child homicides related to family dissolutions.

I have had a wonderful experience working with this amazing non-profit for many years when serving clients who were trying to navigate the family court system and process. I now gratefully serve on the Board of Directors,and in any other way I can, to support their efforts. Please visit our website to see the progress we have made and the voice we have given to these devastated protective parents and family members.

I have been following CJE through Facebook for over a year to get updates on any legislation being passed regarding protecting children through the family court system. I had the chance to meet Kathleen Russell over the summer as she invited me to learn about and help advocate for a federal resolution. I cannot say enough positive words when it comes to Kathleen's/ CJE's dedication to this cause. She is one of the people who has been working tirelessly for over a decade to provide a chance for protective parents to be heard and to lay the groundwork for change to happen. I am so proud to know and to have been able to support Kathleen in her efforts and I hope to be able to help her again one day. I could never repay her for the chance at life she has provided for children like mine to be safe with a parent who will not allow the other parent to hurt them.

I've been involved with the Center for Judicial Excellence (CJE) since 2008. CJE is at the forefront of addressing the systemic failures of our country's family courts that too often put children in harmful situations, with little regard for the well being of children and victims of domestic violence. CJE has passed legislation at the state and federal levels to help protect children from these systemic failures, most notably passing AB 1050 - a bill which gives children an actual voice in family court proceedings - in the California State Legislature in 2010. CJE also led the efforts in 2009 to pass the historic performance audit of the Marin and Sacramento County family courts which found that both courts were operating out of compliance with state laws and their own administrative processes. Just last week, CJE passed federal legislation with the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 72, which expresses the sense of Congress that child safety MUST be the first priority in all custody and visitation adjudications. If you are looking for a nonprofit to dedicate your money or time to, I strongly recommend contributing to the Center for Judicial Excellence. I cannot think of an organization that is similar in resources and capacity as CJE and accomplishes as much as CJE does. -SB

I had the opportunity to come into contact with the Center for Judicial Excellence when I flew to Washington DC from Utah in September to be a part of Child Safety Days and help lobby for H. Con. Resolution 72. I met Kathleen and let me tell you, no one works harder or is more dedicated to the safety of children in the family court system than Kathleen. She takes it upon herself personally to help bring awareness to the problems that have led to the innocent deaths of more than 650 children since 2008 that have been failed by the family court system. She has been an advocate and activist for child safety for many, many years and has already accomplished a great deal to help turn the wheels that have been stationary for too long.

After suffering injustice at the hands of Family court bad actors, i actually began to see how corrupt our judicial system is. I had never thought as a child that i would grow up in supposed great nation where police are supposed to protect us, and the courts are supposed to give us our rights, but i found horrible damage being done to our families by the very courts that are supposed to help and protect us. The courts abuse the parents and the children, all for financial gain. So i lost hope, until i met Kathleen Russell. Kathleen restored my faith in humanity. And now i know there are good people in this world. Kathleen' s heart is humble and pure, but she has strength and courage to fight hard for families. Kathleen' s dedication to our nation's children is unmatched by anyone I've ever known. I support her 100%. I am forever grateful to have met and spent time in Washington DC with her. I miss her. We all need to give her our full support. No one else cares for our children more than Kathleen. There is a special place in God's heart for her...❤

Every year in the United States thousands of children are being awarded to abusers in family court. Many times, cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, and/or sexual abuse--the courts are awarding custody of children to the perpetrators. The Center for Judicial Excellence has researched this phenomenon and their work includes data about adverse childhood experiences and custody related child murders. The organization has lobbied for the rights and safety of children and victims of abuse locally and at the national U.S. Senate level. Recently, the work of the CJE has resulted in a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that makes child safety the first priority in child custody cases. The advocacy, research, and work conducted within the Center for Judicial Excellence is of utmost importance to children.

CJE was a lifeline for me during a very difficult and scary time with my daughter and grandchildren. CJE gave my daughter help in navigating the dangers and corruption of the family court system. The organization provides many services, resources, and support in the on-going battle for justice. CJE has helped pass significant legislation nationally to help keep children safe in the family court system. I am so grateful for all the Center does at both the local and national levels.

The Center for Judicial Excellence (CJE) has worked tirelessly on a local, state and national level to shine a light on broken court systems that harm parents and children. Kudos to executive director Kathleen Russell and CJE for repeatedly going where no one else will in demanding child safety and effective judicial oversight, all on a limited budget.

My daughter and her children were caught in an horrendous abuse situation that my daughter had been struggling with for years, to no avail. My husband and I were helping her as best as we knew how to, but we were running out of resources and ideas. Then my daughter was fortunate to find the Center for Judicial Excellence because it helped her with all the issues she had: domestic violence, child abuse, and family court corruption. We saw, as very involved grandparents, a turning point in our daughter's life as she was helped by Center for Judicial Excellence. She was given personal support, resources, and great advocacy. She has been better able to move ahead with her life and better able to help her children thanks to all she has learned and all the help she has received. We are so relieved and appreciative, as grandparents, to see how she and her children continue to benefit. The director of the center, Kathleen, is dedicated to her work, cares deeply, and is very knowledgeable. Thank you, Center for Judicial Excellence, for helping us all.

When I found myself with nowhere else to turn, Kathleen Russell and her amazing organization gave me the lifeline I so desperately needed. Center for Judicial Excellence not only advocates for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and family court corruption, but also brings the human rights crisis within the family court to the local and national forefront. I am deeply and eternally grateful for the help I received from the center personally, as it was a turning point for me and my children. I also believe, with a passion, that the work Ms. Russel is doing is crucial for the health and well being of our children, and our society as a whole.

The Center for Judical Excellence is a powerful organization led by Kathleen Russell. Kathleen works tirelessly to drive positive change in the family court system. I have been aware of their work for the past decade, but have personally been engaged with this organization for the past year. Kathleen is passionately engaged on a daily basis, whether speaking at important engagements and meetings on identifying systemic issues or pushing for transparency and accountability, she gives a voice to the voiceless. One project that truly impacted the movement to create change and drive awareness, was the child murder database they built, which sadly demonstrates how many children have been murdered (over 600 and counting) by a parent. So many accomplishments in the history of The Center For Judicial Excellence- I can’t say enough.

There can be no better acknowledgement of one's success than the opposition admitting you are a formidable force. That's what those who have opposed the Center's legislation have said.

CJE had done an interview for a publication which my aunt saw. She knew my story and realized this organization could be helpful to me. I met with Kathleen from CJE and was able to learn more about my rights, how to stand up for my children in family court and how to advocate for change. CJE also introduced me to CA Protective Parents Association. She connects people to provide even more help. Without CJE's work, we would not be as far as we are now in this movement. On a personal note, I know CJE's work helped me get custody of my children back. It takes a village and you want CJE in your village to end the family court crisis.

Over the years, I have worked loosely with several nonprofit organizations to cause integrity in the courts and in public policies. The Center for Judicial Excellence (CJE) is the most professional and effective nonprofit with whom I have had the pleasure to work. CJE's director, Ms. Kathleen Russell, has rare skills. She is able to understand and articulate the roots of problem areas which have led to erred policies and practices. She knows how to approach legislators and other decision-makers to cause change. CJE is a small organization. Yet, I know for a fact that they have caused more positive changes to legal systems than some organizations that are one hundred times their size. CJE is an organization that deserves recognition for their stellar work.

This is the greatest organization. Thank God for Kathleen Russell helping victims or we would be lost. Her passion and drive are amazing.

These people are doing seriously important work! It's shocking but our family courts have no real oversight, and what's worse kids are being abused by a corrupt, broken Family Courts system. CJE is the only organization that I know that it's fighting this very important fight and they are doing so with AMAZING success. Well worth your support. They have mine.

Kathleen has helped so many children. She is an amazing advocate!!

Please support in every way you can as this is critical work, whether you are a mother, father, child, grandparent or even a professional. Judicial integrity and transparency in our courtrooms affects everyone. Thank you, Kathleen, for all that you and CJE do for our citizens.

CJE and its leaders and supporters have been relentless in confronting the judges in power and calling their attention to the attrocities to children and families which the Family Court system has facilitated. A child in my family was sent to live with her abuser and murderer by a clueless judge and a biased Family Court evaluator. CJE has helped me be tenatious ijn presenting important facts to the California Judicial Council.

Former Family Court Victim. Family Court is breaking down our families, putting our children in danger, stripping families of most and sometimes all of their money and property. Family court as it stands now, is corrupt. Money is their main motivator, far and above the needs of the family or the best interest of the child or children. There is currently no accountability in Family Court. They have complete and absolute control. Where there is not accountability and complete control there will be corruption, which has and is happening in Family Court.
Center for Judaical Excellence is and has been working to help make Family Court more accountable and helping to save our children, families and in the long run our country.

After 25 years of fighting this fight, it was a breath of fresh air to meet everyone at CJE and the wonderful volunteers who all have the courage to face the truth about the broken family court system. To most people, the truth is too difficult and too shocking to be believed -- that the family court system routinely, knowingly, places children with sexual abusers. The courageous folks at CJE who work tirelessly against those who would prefer this disaster remain a secret, will always have my admiration and continued support.

Center For Judicial Excellence is the only organization I know that is willing to speak truth to power on this issue, providing hope for so many parents who have lost their children in corrupt Family Courts.

When my daughter, Brianna was ripped away from her Family and Home in Jan., 2015, I did not know where to or who to turn to for help. I came across CJE's website and was able to gather respirces and information on this nightmare within our Family Courts. CJE was able to give me information and help me understand more on the crimes happening within the Family Courts. I am so greatful for CJE amd the support they give to Mothers and Fathers going through this. Thank you CJE and God Bless you and the progress you continue to make. Thank you for your continued fight to keep our children safe!!!