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 for clinicians and allied professionals seeking to understand the impact of complex trauma. They likely specialize in forensic or criminal justice populations, addressing the behavioral, social, and mental health consequences of chronic abuse and adversity. They typically work in correctional facilities, forensic clinics, or legal settings where knowledge of trauma informs assessment, intervention, and support strategies.

  • Experience Level

    Designed for professionals with foundational to advanced experience in mental health, criminal justice, or forensic settings who seek specialized knowledge in trauma-informed care.

  • Practice Setting

    • Criminal Justice

    • Forensic mental health

    • Legal professionals who work with individuals affected by complex trauma

    • Correctional facilities

    • Forensic clinics

    • Legal settings

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, PhD, is the Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., the lead developer of an online Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST) and the Journal of Special Populations (JSP).

View More Programs from this Presenter
Jerrod Brown, PhD

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).



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) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 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), SW CPE 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 and 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. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #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. CONCEPT Professional Training 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.