Minnesota Corrections Association upcoming events

Neurodivergence in Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, and Legal Settings: Introduction and Overview (04/08/2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On-Line Registration is now closed for this workshop
contact Debbie or Kristin for assistance

MCA Monthly Workshop:
Neurodivergence in Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health,
and Legal Settings: Introduction and Overview

9:00 a.m. - Noon

Via Zoom

Certificates of attendance available for this workshop

Jerrod Brown will be presenting a series of workshops in 2026. Watch for these other events to open up for Registration:

June 10th: ADHD in Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, and Legal Settings: Introduction and Overview
August 12th: Autism in Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, and Legal Settings
October 14th: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health and Legal Settings
December 9th: Traumatic Brain Injuries in Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, and Legal Settings: A forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective

Description:

Neurodivergence describes a group of individuals with atypical patterns of brain functioning, including differences in cognition, sensory, and motor abilities. Conditions such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia), and traumatic brain injuries often fall under this umbrella. The symptoms of these neurodivergent conditions place these individuals at an elevated risk for involvement in the criminal justice system (in roles ranging from suspect and defendant to victim and witness) compared to the general population. Complicating matters further, this population often struggles to navigate psycholegal processes such as police interviews and interrogations, court proceedings, court-mandated treatment, incarceration, and community supervision. Designed for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings, this innovative training explores neurodivergence and the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the criminal justice system. Topics discussed will include intake, screening and assessment, treatment, case management, and communication and accommodation strategies. Compelling case studies and cutting-edge research findings will be shared throughout the training to emphasize key learning objectives.

Workshop Goal/Objectives:

Define neurodivergence and neurodivergent conditions.
Identify common signs and symptoms of neurodivergent conditions.
Learn about the impact neurodivergent conditions have on criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings.
Identify intake, screening, intervention, management, communication, and accommodation strategies that professionals can implement with neurodivergent populations who are involved in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings.

Presenter - Jerrod Brown:

Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS, MS, MS, CTTS, EFC, CFNC, CZT, CART, GCPain 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) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. 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 six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Pain Management, Applied Pediatric Nutrition, Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, 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. 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.

*Please add admin@ourmca.org to your e-mail safe sender list

*If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail immediately
after you register, please contact us at:
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com
Kristin: KLueken.MCA@gmail.com

Register for This Workshop Today!
Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. 2 days before event

7th Annual MCA/MACPO Juvenile Justice Training (04/22/2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

On-line Registration is Now Closed.
Contact Debbie or Kristin regarding registration for this event.

7th Annual
MCA/MACPOJuvenile Justice Training
Prevention, Partnership,
and Pathways to Hope

April 22, 2026
8:30-3:30 p.m.

Maplewood YMCA Community Center

Sessions

Internet and Social Media Usage Among Children - Safety Implications for Professionals
Presented by: Alison Feight, Jacob Wetterling Resource Center/
Zero Abuse Project

Missing & Murdered that Lead to Exploitation Pathways
Presented by: Taylor Wencel, Missing Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office

Raising the Age of Deliquency in Minnesota
Presented by: Nicole Kern, Director Morrison County Community Corrections

How Mentorship Affects Outcomes: Mentor Panel Presented by: Bilal Muhammad, Al Maa'uun
Jeimmy Yusty-Rohas, Hispanic Outreach
Alicia Whaley, RiseUp Partnership
Angela Fabel, Takoda Institute
Youth community members

Registration includes lunch

Resource Fair

Exhibitors - click here to sign up for the Juvenile Justice Resource Fair!

**Please log-in to MCA website with the e-mail address where you received event notification to ensure you are able to access the correct registration.

If you need to verify your membership status or have any questions, contact the Kristin or Debbie at: klueken.mca@gmail.com or mca-mn@hotmail.com.

Hotel Accommodations:
Comfort Inn & Suites - St. Paul Northeast: 3505 Vadnais Center Drive, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110 651-483-1625

Room Block through April 1st at $110 (plus taxes). Reservation link will come in your confirmation e-mails. You can also call the front desk and ask for MN Corrections Association - Group Number VD64Q2

Exhibitor Registration - Annual MCA/MACPO Juvenile Justice Training (04/22/2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

On-line Registration is Now Closed.
Contact Debbie or Kristin regarding registration for this event.

Annual MCA/MACPO
Juvenile Justice Training
Exhibitor Registration

April 22, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Maplewood YMCA Community Center

Please join us at this spacious location where you will be able to talk about your resources, services, and products with our attendees at this annual event. Attendees will have an opportunity to visit with our exhibitors before the event starts, during breaks and also lunch time.

Registration closes April 6th.

Registration includes your exhibit space, attendance at the training as well as lunch. Registration also includes 2 complimentary MCA memberships for 1 year!

You may set up starting at 7:30 a.m.

Hotel Accommodations:
Comfort Inn & Suites - St. Paul Northeast: 3505 Vadnais Center Drive, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110 651-483-1625

Room Block through April 1st at $110 (plus taxes). Reservation link with come in your confirmation e-mail. You can also call the front desk and ask for MN Corrections Association - Group Number VD64Q2

Want to be a New MCA Sponsor with Free Exhibit Space
at the Juvenile Justice Training and the Fall Conference!!
Contact Kristin or Leah
or call the MCA office at: 651-515-3254

Exclusive, Diamond, and Platinum Sponsors receive complimentary exhibit space and should log-in to access the complimentary registration option.