Justice-involved individuals are more likely than the general population to experience chronic health problems (e.g., obesity-related health problems, type 2 diabetes, respiratory diseases, and chronic pain). These conditions usually last for prolonged durations and require ongoing medical treatment. Further, chronic health problems frequently have high comorbidity rates with mental health issues (e.g., depression and trauma) and behavioral problems (e.g., substance use). When these conditions go unrecognized or untreated, affected individuals often struggle to maintain employment, care for themselves, navigate the criminal justice system, reenter society, and comply with the conditions of community supervision (i.e., probation and parole). This innovative training is designed to increase awareness about chronic health problems and their consequences in criminal justice settings. Attendees will learn about the causes, risk factors, and common co-occurring conditions for chronic health problems including cognitive deficits (e.g., executive dysfunction), dietary practices, food insecurity, mental health problems (e.g., alexithymia, anxiety, and depression), sedentary behaviors, sleep problems, social isolation, stress, substance misuse, traumatic brain injuries, and other pre-existing conditions. The training will conclude by identifying multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative, and health-promoting screening, intake, intervention, and treatment approaches that can help address the nuanced physical, cognitive, and behavioral health needs of justice-involved individuals. Empirically based research findings are highlighted throughout this training.
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 is also the founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST). 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), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, sleep disturbances, serious and persistent mental health disorders, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Dyslexia, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). 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. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod also holds a wide range of professional certifications and has completed several comprehensive training programs. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and previously co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets and has appeared in two documentaries related to the topic of FASD. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.
