The Florida State University Institute for Justice Research and Development (IJRD) launched a new online curriculum with continuing education units for social workers, mental health field professionals, researchers, administrators, and support staff working within the criminal justice system or with individuals who have incarceration experience. Professionals seeking to engage more responsively with many different populations in the criminal justice system can immediately apply this knowledge to their work.

Race, Class, and Health Disparities in the Criminal Justice System was created by a team of Florida State University College of Social Work faculty and staff to support those working within the criminal justice system to better understand the populations they serve. In addition to an overview of the US criminal justice system, this series has a special focus on members of communities that are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system and their unique needs and perspectives.

“Individuals with criminal justice involvement are not a homogenous group, but rather come into the system with a diverse array of experiences and backgrounds,” said Amberly Prykhodko, Director of Clinical and Professional Services at IJRD. “This education series provides information on the various perspectives and life circumstances that individuals who are, or who have been, incarcerated bring with them.”

The online, self-paced curriculum includes up to 8 hours of content and 8 continuing education units (CEUs). All 8 trainings are offered individually to allow trainees to choose relevant trainings to better serve their unique client populations. Individual courses are offered separately and provides 1 CEU. Courses are offered at a special introductory price of $34.99 each.

• Overview of the US Criminal Justice System led by Stephen Tripodi, PhD, MSSW.
• Race and Class in the US Criminal Justice System led by Davonna McArthur, BA, co-created by Carrie Pettus, PhD and Stephanie Kennedy, PhD, MSW.
• Traumatic Brain Injury Common Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevalence in the Criminal Justice System led by Abby Smallwood, M Ed, LPCA.
• Understanding the Incarceration of Women led by Stephanie Kennedy, PhD.
• Immigrants in the Criminal Justice System led by Jennifer Joseph, MSW
• American Indian and Alaskan Natives Individuals and Criminal Justice Involvement led by Tanya Renn, PhD, MSSW, MPH.
• Working with Justice-Involved LGBTQ+ Adults – Mutual Respect led by Priya Adhikari, co-created by Elizabeth Curley, MSW.  
• Trauma and Men in the Criminal Justice System led by Jacob Eikenberry, MSW, co-created by Carrie Pettus, PhD and Stephanie Kennedy, PhD, MSW.

To learn more and register, visit: www.IJRDtraining.com.

For group rates or inquiries on customized trainings for your organization, please contact Amberly Prykhodko, Institute for Justice Research and Development Director of Clinical and Professional Services at aprykhodko@fsu.edu.