National Association for Public Defense

Investigator Meetup: 10/11/2024 2:00 ET, 1:00 CT, 12:00 MT, 11:00 PT – Drones!
2024-10-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-10-11-2024-drones/
That’s right, let’s talk drones!
Did you know that you need to pass an FAA test to fly a drone? We will learn what the test entails, what it costs and what you need to study. Beyond the test you need to know how to fly it, where you are and NOT allowed to fly it and what they can do for us! We will also be told about costs, where to get drones and any concerns in using them. Come Join us!
Join us along with these representatives from UAVCoach.com school of drones, to answer theses questions and all of your others too!
Mike McGuirt
Customer Support Manager
Mike served nearly 28 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he held various management and leadership roles in human resources, supporting personnel around the globe. Most recently, he spent 3 years as a high school Aerospace Science Instructor, where he started and grew the drone program. Mike has a BS in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University and an MA in Management and Leadership from Webster University. Mike and his wife of over 30 years raised two sons and lived in many unique places; they now reside in Jonesboro, AR.

Michael Miller
Enrollment Advisor

Michael is passionate about helping others and building long lasting relationships. His career path has been an exciting adventure, marked by diverse experiences in a variety of industries. From his early days as an education advisor in the fitness & wellness industry, to his most recent role as a financial coach, Michael has served thousands of clients to better their lives. Through his belief in kindness, empathy and continuous self-improvement Michael is committed to finding new ways to make a positive impact on the world around him and leaving a legacy of excellence. He spends his free time with his wife, son and daughter and they all love to dance.

Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Criminal Justice and Forensic Mental Health Considerations
2024-10-14 15:00 - 16:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/gut-brain/
The gut-brain axis is the communication network that links cognitive and emotional processing of the brain to the body’s gastrointestinal functions. The bedrock of this axis is bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. The gut-brain axis plays a critical role in food intake, metabolism, insulin levels, perceptions of satiety, and mood to name a few. The functioning of the gut-brain axis can be influenced by diet, sleep quality, environmental toxins, social surroundings, and the experience of stress among other factors. Emerging research is also finding that gut-brain axis dysfunction may have significant implications for problematic, concerning, and antisocial behaviors. Designed for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings, this training provides attendees with a working understanding of the causes, consequences, and interventions associated with gut-brain axis dysfunction among criminal justice and forensic mental health-based populations. Other topics discussed in this training include neurocriminology, emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviors, anger, aggression, and violence, substance use disorders, mental health conditions, hormonal dysfunction, prenatal and postnatal trauma, other life adversities, central nervous system dysfunction, allostatic load, biological despair, HPA axis dysregulation, inflammation, and sleep disturbances. A primary goal of this training is to learn why criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals should become gut-brain axis informed. Empirically based research findings will be 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 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, 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, 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 has also conducted over 200 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. 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 has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

Social Worker Supervisors Discussion
2024-10-15 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-discussion-2/
This discussion will focus on how to give constructive feedback to enhance performance, and also how to self-advocate for us/more of us/the need for us in our offices.

Social Work Meetup: Open Discussion
2024-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-open-discussion/
This week is an open discussion on ideas, topics, research, anonymous/redacted case consults, whatever is on your mind to share, discuss, or engage with! You’ll be in charge of the topics and material so come with ideas in mind!

Social Work Meetup: Let's Brainstorm the Tough Cases
2024-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-lets-brainstorm-the-tough-cases/
This week’s meetup will focus on the tough cases: those you may have a hard time working with, or because there’s limited rapport built with the client, or because of community or media attention. Come to the meetup with your tough case scenarios and we will brainstorm together how we might approach it to get over any barriers of mitigation development.
Stephanne Cline Thornton is the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, owner of Transform Legal, focusing on mitigation and training, and serves as the NAPD Social Work Resource and Training Coordinator. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor focusing on access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Recognizing the prevalent intersection of stress, trauma, substance use, and mental health conditions with some practitioners of the law, Stephanne believes in health, sustainability, and mindful practices to ensure those in the helping professions care for themselves to better care for those they are serving.
Stephanne earned a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University Candler School of Theology in the Honors Program, and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia. She has been clinically licensed as a social worker and addictions counselor since 2004 and additionally holds certificates as Certified Addiction Counselor Level III, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Stephanne’s clinical training background is in trauma, and she is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and presents on trauma, substance use, and self-care across the state and at national conferences.
Stephanne is a West Virginia State Advisory Committee Member to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, Chair of the Court Systems and Criminal Justice Populations Subcommittee to the Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, and is a Board Member on the West Virginia Board of Social Work and West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals. She resides in Charleston, West Virginia with her husband and their tiger tabby.

Virtual - The Color of Mitigation Conference
2024-11-07 - 2024-11-08
The Color of Mitigation is aimed at practitioners of color that work as, or are interested in, becoming mitigation specialists.
What is a mitigation specialist? Mitigation specialists are vital members of criminal defense teams, representing clients that are facing the death penalty in 24 out of 50 states in addition to those charged at a federal level. They are skilled members of the death penalty or capital teams who conduct life history investigations to humanize clients to the courts, juries, and other decision-makers.
The Color of Mitigation will welcome those interested in this area of defense work and provide critical training for those in the field. Accomplished members of the capital defense community will lead conference sessions and help build a strong professional network.
We will also help attendees build their professional/company profiles and assist them in gaining access to the field, one that serves many people of color as defendants but does not have an open door for practitioners of color.
Topics will include

The Evolution and Future of Mitigation
Navigating Racial Dynamics in Capital Defense
Advanced Mitigation Techniques: Crafting Compelling Life Stories
The Intersection of Mental Health and Mitigation
Building a Career in Mitigation: Access, Networking, and Growth
The Role of Race, Identity, and Client Advocacy
Wellness and Resilience in High-Stakes Advocacy
Closing Session: Reflecting on Our Work and Moving Forward

This training is curated for:

Persons of color
Capital Mitigation investigators
Social workers interested in capital work
Investigators doing mitigation on capital cases
Fact investigators transitioning into mitigation investigation
Capital mitigation attorneys
Client advocates preparing mitigation and alternative sentencing plans, etc.

Apply for a Scholarship . Deadline Oct 15.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, & Legal Implications
2024-11-12 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/type-2-diabetes-mellitus/
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and multifaceted metabolic disease and is considered a significant public health issue and global epidemic. Designed for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings, this training provides attendees with a working understanding of the causes, consequences, and interventions associated with T2DM among criminal justice and forensic mental health-based populations. Regardless of criminal justice system phase (ranging from arrest to community supervision), undiagnosed and unmanaged T2DM can significantly impact a person’s mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health. A primary goal of this training is to learn why criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals should become T2DM informed. Empirically based research findings will be 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 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, sleep disturbances, 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, 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 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 recently, 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. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

JOIN US our November 2024 edition of the RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP!
2024-11-12 13:00 - 14:00
Racial Justice Advocates,

JOIN US our November 2024 edition of the RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP!

In honor of National Native American/Indigenous Peoples’ Month, Lydia Schildt will lead us in a presentation entitled, Boarding Schools & Their Impact on Racial Justice for Indigenous Peoples.

Let’s educate ourselves! Don’t miss this meetup! The meetup flyer, agenda, and speaker bio will be posted on the listserv.

Not on the Racial Justice listserv? Send your request to be added to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.

See you soon, NAPD!

Investigator Supervisor Meetup: 2024-11-13- Open Chat
2024-11-13 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-2024-11-13-open-chat/
Hi Supervisors,
It’s a new month and it’s time for a new conversation for all of you supervisors out there! Based on past conversations, we have provided help to one another in ways only another leader can understand! How can we help this Month?
Come join us!

NAPD/PDAP Next Level Management Conference
2024-11-14 08:00 - 2024-11-15 17:00 | Private: Penn Stater Conference Center, 215 Innovation Blvd, State College, PA, 16803, United States
Join us for the Next Level Management Conference hosted by NAPD and PDAP. This training is designed for those in management roles within a PA Public Defender’s office, including PD attorneys, core staff managers, investigators, social service staff, and paralegals. While this is not the Chief’s Conference (scheduled for 2025), Chief Defenders who manage others are welcome to attend. Registration spots are limited, with preference given to Pennsylvania PDs.
The registration fee covers some meals, and you can book your room using our room block at this link. The cut-off date to book is October 13th.
This training provides 9.5 Pennsylvania CLE credits, which are free for PA Public Defenders. NAPD is not able to advise on CLE for participants outside of PA. If you’re from another state, please consult your state’s CLE contact to determine if credits would be available for this training.

Investigator Meetup: Office Social Media Policies - 11/15/2024
2024-11-15 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-office-social-media/
This Meetup we will discuss our office social media policies and what should and shouldn’t be included. What platforms should we/are we using? What do have say in the profile? Can we use the County or states seal and what requirements are there to do so? Who monitors it and maintains it? Who has the final say so? If an employee has their own professional page, what are the requirements of that page? These and other questions will get discussed, please join us.

Data Collection in Social Work - Webinar
2024-11-18 15:00 - 16:30 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/data-collection-sw/
Click the “Log In” button at the top of this page before registering.
Need help with this registration process? Watch this video.
For several decades, public defender offices and other indigent defense providers have incorporated social workers, mitigation specialists, and other holistic practitioners into their representation in an effort to both reduce reliance on incarceration and better address the needs of individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. In recent years, a handful of researchers have attempted to measure the impact of such providers on client outcomes, but generally speaking, there has been little conversation nationally of the importance of data collection related to these services. In this session, we will discuss ways to collect and utilize data on social worker/mitigation services to educate others about their utility, demonstrate the impact of services on clients, and advocate for more funding. We will share the four-tiered approach to collecting social work data developed by a collaboration of practitioners and researchers in Michigan for your use and also your feedback. The tiered approach aims to make data collection simple and accessible for all providers. We will also discuss early efforts to connect with other practitioners across the country to develop best practice data points for broader use.
Dr. Siegel is a researcher who has worked on issues related to the criminal legal system for more than fifteen years. He approaches his work through an anti-racist, abolitionist lens with the goal of eradicating the systemic and racialized harms of the carceral state while building pathways for restorative and transformative justice. He completed his doctoral research at the University of Michigan on the prevalence and implications of parole revocation among technical violators in the state of Michigan, and has conducted research for a wide range of institutions including the Vera Institute of Justice, Michigan’s State Appellate Defender Office, and the State of Michigan. At the MIDC, Dr. Siegel is responsible for identifying institutional research priorities, overseeing data collection and analysis, and translating research findings into best practices and policy reform.

Lauren Harris (she/her/hers) is currently a Writing and Mitigation Consultant at The Bronx Defenders, and a freelance Mitigation Specialist. After receiving her M.S.W. from Columbia University in 2011, Lauren joined The Bronx Defenders as a social worker in the Criminal Defense Practice. In her five-year tenure she served as a staff social worker, helped develop the Adolescent Defense Project, and supervised social workers in the Criminal Defense Practice. Lauren left in 2015 and later began her own mitigation practice. Working primarily in the Southern and Eastern districts of New York, applying the holistic defense model to her attorney collaborations to better represent clients. She then returned to The Bronx Defenders, as the Director for the Center for Holistic Defense where she oversaw the provision of in-depth technical assistance to public defender offices, individual advocates, policymakers, and others who were interested in adopting a holistic approach to public defense. Lauren received her B.A. in English Literature and Journalism from New York University.

Social Work Meetup: How Do We Get More of Us?
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-how-do-we-get-more-of-us/
Special TUESDAY Edition! This meetup for social workers, sentencing advocates, mitigation specialists, dispositional advocates, and others in similar roles will focus on how we advocate for and get more of us in our roles in public defense offices. Are you bringing in interns who become employees? Are you using data to drive decision-making in your offices? Are you in a position of leadership leveraging the advantage of having more of “us” in your office? Come share what you’re doing, what you’re trying, and what you are interested in pursuing to create more roles for social workers, sentencing advocates, dispositional and mitigation specialists!
Stephanne Cline Thornton is the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, owner of Transform Legal, focusing on mitigation and training, and serves as the NAPD Social Work Resource and Training Coordinator. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor focusing on access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Recognizing the prevalent intersection of stress, trauma, substance use, and mental health conditions with some practitioners of the law, Stephanne believes in health, sustainability, and mindful practices to ensure those in the helping professions care for themselves to better care for those they are serving.
Stephanne earned a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University Candler School of Theology in the Honors Program, and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia. She has been clinically licensed as a social worker and addictions counselor since 2004 and additionally holds certificates as Certified Addiction Counselor Level III, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Stephanne’s clinical training background is in trauma, and she is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and presents on trauma, substance use, and self-care across the state and at national conferences.
Stephanne is a West Virginia State Advisory Committee Member to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, Chair of the Court Systems and Criminal Justice Populations Subcommittee to the Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, and is a Board Member on the West Virginia Board of Social Work and West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals. She resides in Charleston, West Virginia with her husband, Richard, and their tiger tabby, Pip.

Social Worker Supervisors Discussion
2024-11-19 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-meetup-nov24/
This is the monthly edition of the Social Work Supervisors Discussion. Please join this if you are able and interested in talking with other supervisors of social workers, mitigation specialists, sentencing advocates, dispositional advocates, and social work interns about the work and coaching around/supervising the work!
Facilitated by: Kevin Bishop, LCSW, Social Worker Coordinator with The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel (CO); Michael E. Moore, LMSW, Social Work Supervisor with The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice (NY); and Claudia Dunne, LICSW, Director of Social Work & Private Social Service Vendors, Youth Advocacy Division (YAD), CPCS (MA).

Developing a Theory and Theme of Defense
2024-11-21 14:00 - 15:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/developing-a-theory-and-theme-of-defense/
Developing a Compelling, Emotional, and Reasonable Theory of Defense is one of the most important and neglected aspects of successfully defending the person you represent. In this presentation you will learn about why developing a defense theory is so important and what goes into the creation of a compelling defense theory. You will learn about how important it is to include emotion into your defense theory and why it is so important to have that included in the presentation of your defense to the jury.
Andre Vitale (Jersey City, NJ). Andre has served as a public defense lawyer for over 25 years as a trial lawyer, training director, educator, and mentor. He currently works as a First Assistant Deputy Public Defender ad Trial Chief Essex Trial Region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Andre previously served as a Special Assistant Public Defender and Training Director with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office (Rochester, NY) and as the Assistant Training Director with the King County Department of Public Defense (Seattle, WA). Andre is the co–chair of NJ OPD’s Forensic Science Working Group. Andre has extensive trial experience taking more than 95 cases to verdict, while handling some of the most complex matters. He has developed an expertise in defending homicide and sex cases, with a proficiency in contesting forensic and other technical evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, CSAAS, and eyewitness identification. Andre designed a Defending a Child Sex Case advanced trial skills program, which has been used by State Public Defender Offices in Montana, Missouri, and New Jersey. He is a core faculty member with Gideon’s Promise (gideonspromise.org) and Harvard Law School’s Criminal Justice Institute Trial Advocacy Workshop (TAW). Andre is both a presenter and frequent blog contributor for the National Association of Public Defense (publicdefenders.us). Due to his passion and commitment to client–centered representation, Andre has received the Kevin Andersen Award by the New York State Defender’s Association (NYSDA) and the Denison Ray Award by the New York State Bar Association

Public Service Loan Forgiveness with Heather Jarvis
2024-12-02 16:00 - 17:30 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/public-service-loan-forgiveness/
Join us for a Public Service Loan Forgiveness webinar with Heather Jarvis.
Heather Jarvis is an attorney and a nationally recognized expert specializing in student loan law. She has provided award-winning student loan education and consultation for universities, associations and professional advisors since 2005. Heather recently completed service as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Advisor to the United States Department of Education’s rulemaking committee. Heather graduated cum laude from Duke University School of Law and is co-founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Fosterus.

When There Are Differing Directions on Need in a Case
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/when-there-are-differing-directions-on-need-in-a-case/
This week’s discussion surrounds when social workers, mitigation specialists, sentencing advocates, and others in similar roles find themselves hearing what a client may want or need, and these desires or goals differ from the direction of the case’s resolution. When working at the direction of the attorney, how does the mitigation specialist navigate the differing direction of what the client wants/needs with where the case is going? We’ll talk about best interests and expressed interests to help us better understand and navigate this quandary.
With Claudia Dunne, LICSW, Director of Social Work & Private Social Service Vendors, Youth Advocacy Division (YAD), CPCS (MA), and Stephanne Cline Thornton who is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Social Work Training and Resource Coordinator for NAPD, Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability.

NAPD Women's Virtual Conference: We Are The Ones We've Been Waiting For
2024-12-05 12:00 - 2024-12-07 12:00
Click Here for Bulk Registration
This December, we once again gather for advocacy, encouragement, empowerment, training workshops, development, networking, and renewal.
This December, we gather for community. We gather to support. This powerful conference is filled with workshops, self-care events, networking, celebration and much, much more. We will acquire knowledge, obtain resources, and make connections that will elevate you to reach your professional and personal goals.
This December, we gather for sisterhood.
This event invites speakers who have been historically marginalized by age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, sexual identity, education, national origin, or any other distinguishing characteristic or trait. The goal of this event is to uplift marginalized perspectives within the public defense community.
This gathering is for all individuals, in all job titles, and practitioners who work or support public defense: attorneys, paralegals, core staff, social workers, trainers, policy advocates, and more. We also encourage and invite law students to join us. NAPD is committed to creating an event in a safe space that brings inspiration and transformation to persons of all gender identities, and for this event, we will specifically amplify female, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming voices in public defense.
Focus areas returning this year:

Professional Growth & Leadership – sessions that help participants develop their leadership voice or facilitating professional/personal growth
Well-Being and Self-Care – sessions that prioritize wellness and self care within the public defense community
Representing Women, Families, Children – sessions that center around the circumstances, challenges, and celebrations of representing women, families and children
Intersectionality and Connecting Our Stories – sessions amplifying when our voices are marginalized in the communities we serve
Women and Racial Justice – sessions centering around the pursuit of racial justice and equality

Before Oct 15 midnight
$75 Individual
$50 each bulk for 5-100
$30 each bulk for over 101
After Oct 15
$100 Individual
$75 each bulk for 5-100
$60 each bulk for over 101
If this is your first time registering for an event with NAPD, you will need to create an account.
Apply for a scholarship – Deadline November 22nd
This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886791803-4402) for 5 continuing education contact hours. Please check your state requirements for continuing education credits to ensure you are eligible per your Board
Click Here for Bulk Registration

Circadian Rhythm Misalignment: Criminal Justice and Forensic Mental Health Implications
2024-12-09 15:00 - 16:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/circadian-rhythm-misalignment/
Circadian rhythm is a daily (i.e., twenty-four-hour) internal biological clock that plays a critical role in human health. The daily rhythm of this system is maintained by a molecular process that resets the circadian clock each day through retinal contact to light. This pattern is demonstrated by almost every cell within the human body, comprising a hierarchical multi-oscillator system that is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Misalignment of the circadian rhythm can manifest itself in different ways including inappropriately timed sleep-wakefulness or misaligned timing of central and peripheral rhythms. Problems with sleep quality, daytime alertness, poor health outcomes, and behavioral dysregulation are often associated with circadian rhythm misalignment. Emerging research suggests that the role of circadian rhythm misalignment in the development of problematic and antisocial behaviors should be further explored. Designed for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings, this training provides attendees with a working understanding of the causes, consequences, and interventions associated with circadian rhythm misalignment among criminal justice and forensic mental health-based populations. Empirically based research findings will be 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 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, sleep disturbances, 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, 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 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 recently, 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. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

DEIJ & RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP MASHUP
2024-12-10 13:00 - 14:00
DEIJ & Racial Justice Meetups –
Join us on December 10, 2024 at 1 p.m. (est) / 12 p.m. (cst) / 11 a.m. (mt) / 10 a.m. (pst) for our annual DEIJ & RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP MASHUP! This will be our final meeting for 2024! We will pay homage, reflect, discuss, and celebrate! You do not want to miss this meetup.
Meetup Zoom link and agenda will be shared on both listservs.
Are you a NAPD member and want to on the listserv? Send your request to be added to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.

Investigator Supervisor Meetup: Open Chat 2:00 ET, 1:00 CT, 12:00 MT, 11:00 PT
2024-12-11 14:00 - 15:00 | https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/82381950121
This is the last investigator Supervisor meetup of the year, let’s chat about what went right and wrong this past year for you, your investigators and clients! What’s coming in the new year and what should we thinking about! Come join us!

Investigator Meetup: 12/13/2024 - Open Chat 2:00 ET, 1:00 CT, 12:00 MT, 11:00 PT
2024-12-13 14:00 - 15:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-12-13-2024/
We’re back, we have had a bit of a break about we are back for our regular meetup! So, let’s chat about what’s been going with you and how things are with you, your office and client’s. I look forward in seeing you this Friday!!

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the Criminal Justice System
2024-12-13 15:00 - 16:30 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-in-the-criminal-justice-system/
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are common affecting between 1 and 5% of the population. FASD is rarely diagnosed and as a result is often not considered in criminal or mental health proceedings.
Participants in this webinar will:

Be introduced to the diagnostic criteria for FASD
Be informed about the implications of FASD in criminal proceedings
Demonstrate how to develop a maternal alcohol exposure history
Understand key neuropsychological impairments in FASD
Discuss how to utilize FASD as a mitigating factor in criminal proceedings

Larry Burd received his PhD in Community Health Sciences from the University of Manitoba Health Science Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Dr. Burd currently is a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Director of the North Dakota Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center and FAS Clinic. Dr. Burd has been with the Pediatric Therapy Program for 44 years where he has evaluated over 18,000 children with birth defects, developmental disorders and mental illness. Dr. Burd has conducted research in 41 countries around the world. He has ongoing studies of people with Tourette syndrome, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome and infant mortality risk. He published over 260 professional papers on topics dealing with development and behavior in children and adolescents. He has had clinics for children with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders on 41 different Tribal Nations.
William Edwards is considered one of the early pioneers in the training of attorneys around issues involving fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This year marks the 27th Anniversary of the first lecture Billy gave back in 1997 in Lafayette, Louisiana for the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers on representing clients with FASD. During this 27-year period, Billy has organized FASD trainings around the United States and in 8 countries, consulted with attorneys in the United States and in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and England. He has also consulted with several federal public defender offices around the United States in putting together amicus briefs in both the federal courts and the United States Supreme Court with FASD United, formally the National Organization on FAS being the amicus on issues relating to FASD.
William (Billy) Edwards is a Deputy Public Defender in Los Angeles California, working in the Los Angeles County Mental Health Court, representing clients with mental illness and neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders. He has been with the Los Angeles County Public Defender for 23 years. Prior to that Billy worked on capital habeas appeals in Florida, and a paper he co-authored on people with intellectual disabilities on death row in the United States was published in the Journal of Mental Retardation and has been cited broadly, including before the U.S. Supreme Court in Atkins v. Virginia. The Atkins decision finally exempted defendants with intellectual disabilities from the death penalty.
Dr Jones published the original papers describing fetal alcohol syndrome. He is well known for his work on teratogen exposure and for his role in prevalence studies of FASD around the world. He is widely recognized for his testimony in the Parkland Shooter Case which avoided a death penalty.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) and False Confessions: Causes, Consequences and Solutions
2024-12-16 15:00 - 16:00 | https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/87441189806
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) are common disorders that are associated with several cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and physical health deficits and challenges. For a variety of reasons, some individuals with NDDs come into contact with the criminal justice and legal systems. Once involved in these systems, the impacted individual may be at greater risk for miscarriages of justice like false confessions and wrongful convictions as well as an increase in vulnerability and victimization. This is especially the case when professionals lack an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the deficits, challenges, and barriers persons with NDDs frequently face. This training will focus exclusively on the causes, consequences, and solutions associated with NDDs and false confessions. Other topics discussed in this training include problematic interviewing tactics, confabulation, memory distrust, suggestibility, compliance, gullibility, developmental factors, fantasy proneness, executive dysfunction, error monitoring deficits, uncertainty, stress sensitivity, carelessness, problematic coping strategies, sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm misalignment, fatigue, and memory problems to name a few. Empirically-based research findings will be 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 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, sleep disturbances, 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, 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 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 recently, 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. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

Special Tuesday Meetup: Best of Edition, Last of 2024!
2024-12-17 12:00 - 13:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/special-tuesday-meetup-best-of-edition-last-of-2024/
In this last social worker (sentencing advocate, mitigation specialist, dispositional advocate, and others in similar roles) meetup for 2024, on a TUESDAY, we are going to have a “Best Of” meetup. What was the best thing you learned this year? What was the best skill you used this year? What was the best outcome in a case you got this year? What was the best advice you got to help you in this work this year? What was the best advice you gave? What was the best thing you read, watched, listened to that helped you in your work this year? This is our best of so come and share what your best was!
Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Social Work Training and Resource Coordinator for NAPD, Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients, lawyers, social workers, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.

Social Work Supervisors Discussion
2024-12-17 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-supervisors-discussion/
This month’s supervisor discussion will focus on the supervisee evaluation process. How do you evaluate thee practice of your supervisees and their work? Do you solicit feedback from attorneys? What evaluation tools do you use and how do you give your supervisees a voice about thee areas they feel are important for them to grow in? Come join in the discussion and continue to share your work and what you are wrestling with and interested in talking about as a social work supervisor! For supervisors of social workers, mitigation specialists, dispositional advocates, and those in similar supervised positions.
Facilitated by: Kevin Bishop, LCSW, Social Worker Coordinator with The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel (CO); Michael E. Moore, LMSW, Social Work Supervisor with The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice (NY); and Claudia Dunne, LICSW, Director of Social Work & Private Social Service Vendors, Youth Advocacy Division (YAD), CPCS (MA).

Cross Examination (Preparation, Structure, and Impeachment)
2024-12-19 14:00 - 15:30 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/cross-examination/
Cross Examination is one of the important skills to develop as a criminal defense lawyer. It is a skill and not an art, meaning that if you put the work in you can become an effective cross examiner. You do not have to be born with the skill. In this presentation, you will learn the skills which are important to becoming a successful cross examiner. You will learn that you can be both effective and persuasive if you follow the lessons provided as part of this program.
Andre Vitale (Jersey City, NJ). Andre has served as a public defense lawyer for over 25 years as a trial lawyer, training director, educator, and mentor. He currently works as a First Assistant Deputy Public Defender ad Trial Chief Essex Trial Region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Andre previously served as a Special Assistant Public Defender and Training Director with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office (Rochester, NY) and as the Assistant Training Director with the King County Department of Public Defense (Seattle, WA). Andre is the co–chair of NJ OPD’s Forensic Science Working Group. Andre has extensive trial experience taking more than 95 cases to verdict, while handling some of the most complex matters. He has developed an expertise in defending homicide and sex cases, with a proficiency in contesting forensic and other technical evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, CSAAS, and eyewitness identification. Andre designed a Defending a Child Sex Case advanced trial skills program, which has been used by State Public Defender Offices in Montana, Missouri, and New Jersey. He is a core faculty member with Gideon’s Promise (gideonspromise.org) and Harvard Law School’s Criminal Justice Institute Trial Advocacy Workshop (TAW). Andre is both a presenter and frequent blog contributor for the National Association of Public Defense (publicdefenders.us). Due to his passion and commitment to client–centered representation, Andre has received the Kevin Andersen Award by the New York State Defender’s Association (NYSDA) and the Denison Ray Award by the New York State Bar Association

Investigator Meetup: 12/20/2024 last one of the year- Year recap
2024-12-20 14:00 - 15:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-12-20-2024-last-one-of-the-year-year-recap/
Hi all,
We are back for our regular meetup! So, let’s chat about this past year, the good, bad and ugly for you, your office and client’s. I look forward in seeing you Friday
Take care,
Jon

Investigator Supervisor Meetup: First meeting of the year!
2025-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-first-meeting-of-the-year/
Hi supervisors,
Come join us for the first meetup of the year! What are your plans for the coming year and what we hope to accomplish, and what we did well in the past year!
See you Wednesday!
Jon

Racial Justice Meetup
2025-01-14 13:00 - 14:00
Start your New Year off right by joining us for our first RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP of 2025!
Let’s introduce ourselves and set our intentions for the year so we can do the work! Don’t miss this meetup! Meetup flyer and agenda will be posted on the listserv. Be sure that you don’t miss a Racial Justice Meetup (every second Tuesday of the month), add it to your calendar here.
Not on the Racial Justice listserv? Send your request to be added to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.
See you soon, NAPD!
