1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Complex Trauma and the Criminal Justice System is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Complex trauma occurs when a child is subjected to repetitive and chronic forms of abuse and adversity (i.e., neglect, emotional, physical, or sexual) that can result in lifelong developmental, physical, social, and mental health impairments. These adverse outcomes have significant implications for persons who become involved in the criminal justice system. Intended for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals. Participants examine the causes, consequences, and clinical and forensic implications of complex trauma.

Relevant topics covered include the complex PTSD diagnosis in the ICD-11, mistrust, self-regulation deficits, attachment problems, executive dysfunction, risk-taking behaviors, homelessness, internalizing and externalizing behavioral issues, and anti-social behaviors, to name a few. Empirically based research findings are highlighted throughout.

 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe complex trauma
  • 2 Describe the causes and consequences of complex trauma
  • 3 Describe the clinical and forensic implications of complex trauma
  • 4 Describe screening and intervention considerations
  • 5 Describe relevant recent research finding

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for clinicians and allied professionals who work with individuals affected by complex trauma, particularly within forensic or criminal justice populations. It is intended for those addressing the behavioral, social, and mental health consequences of chronic abuse and adversity, where knowledge of trauma informs assessment, intervention, and support strategies.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Forensic Psychologists
    • Social Workers
    • Probation and Parole Officers
    • Correctional Counselors
    • Legal Advocates
    • Case Managers
    • Substance Abuse Counselors

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for a range of experience levels among licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals working in criminal justice, forensic, and legal settings.

    • Beginner: Participants new to complex trauma will gain foundational knowledge of definitions, causes, consequences, and the clinical and forensic implications of complex trauma.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience will deepen their understanding of complex trauma’s impact on criminal justice-involved individuals, enhance their ability to apply research findings, and refine screening and intervention strategies.

    • Advanced: Participants with extensive experience in trauma or forensic settings will further integrate advanced research, critically evaluate intervention models, and contribute to discussions on emerging trends and best practices.

  • Practice Setting

    Format Practice occurs in secure, court-connected, and community-based environments serving justice-involved individuals impacted by chronic, complex trauma. Work is multidisciplinary and high-acuity, integrating trauma-informed assessment, intervention, risk management, and care coordination across institutional and community continuums.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Prisons, jails, and detention centers
    • Probation and parole offices
    • Forensic hospitals and secure psychiatric units
    • Court-affiliated behavioral health clinics and problem-solving courts
    • Juvenile justice facilities and diversion programs
    • Reentry programs and halfway houses
    • Community-based treatment centers, shelters, and outreach programs
    • Legal aid and victim advocacy organizations
Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma, and other life adversities, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). Jerrod has also conducted over 200 workshops, webinars, and on-demand training for various organizations and professional and student audiences. In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing a graduate certificate in Neuroscience and Law from Michigan State University. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters and recently co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. 


Jerrod has also completed specialized trainings and certifications in the following areas: 

Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (CFNC) through Functional Nutrition Alliance 

Integrative Adult Sleep Coach Certification Program. A 12-month, in-depth, comprehensive training program 

Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies. A 7-month online post-graduate training program 

Certified Neurodiversity Professional 

Professional Certification in Trauma & Resilience: Level One 

Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist 

Certification as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist through Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center Rochester, Minnesota 

Brain Health Coaching Certification Course 

Certified Digestive Health Specialist through the Institute of Transformational Nutrition 

Gut Health Specialist Certification 

Stress and Mindset Coach Certification 

Holistic Health Coach Certification 

Certified Sleep Science Coach

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:



  • Introduction to Complex Trauma
    - Definition: Repetitive, chronic abuse and adversity (e.g., neglect, emotional, physical, sexual abuse)
    - Lifelong developmental, physical, social, and mental health impacts


  • Trauma and Criminal Justice Involvement
    - Significance of complex trauma in individuals involved in the criminal justice system
    - Implications for forensic mental health and legal contexts



  • Key Topics in Complex Trauma
    - Complex PTSD (ICD-11 diagnosis)
    - Mistrust and self-regulation deficits
    - Attachment issues and executive dysfunction
    - Risk-taking behaviors and homelessness
    - Internalizing and externalizing behaviors
    - Anti-social behaviors


  • Clinical and Forensic Implications
    - Impact on treatment and risk assessment
    - Strategies for working with individuals affected by complex trauma in forensic settings

  • Research Foundations
    - Empirically based research findings throughout the program

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).


Sponsorship Approval Statements

Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Palo Alto University maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073.