Jeff Waid

Jeff Waid is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he conducts impactful research in child welfare, foster care, and sibling relationships. His work emphasizes resilience, service delivery, and family navigation programs for vulnerable youth.

His research interests focus on improving outcomes for youth in out-of-home care, particularly through strengthening sibling bonds and developing effective support services. He investigates interventions such as camp-based reunification, peer mentorship, and telehealth navigation to enhance emotional well-being and reduce systemic barriers.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend in mixed-methods and evaluation studies aimed at understanding and improving child welfare systems. Topics include trauma-informed care, service utilization, and the impact of the pandemic on youth programs, reflecting a commitment to evidence-based, community-centered solutions.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Jeff Waid has served as Principal Investigator on multiple research grants, including the MN Adopt Literature Review Project and a pilot evaluation of Sibling Connections. His projects, funded by organizations like the Minnesota Adoption Resource Network and Hennepin County, focus on identifying factors in child maltreatment and evaluating preventive services. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and external agencies to translate research into practice.

While no specific lab or research team is named, his collaborative projects and frequent co-authorship suggest active participation in research networks focused on child welfare innovation and policy improvement.