Rebecca J Shlafer

Rebecca J Shlafer is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota's Medical School in the General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health department. Her work bridges child development, health equity, and the impacts of mass incarceration on families, with a focus on translating research into policy and practice.

Key research areas include:

• Parental incarceration and intergenerational trauma
• Adverse childhood experiences in correctional settings
• Maternal health during perinatal incarceration
• Community-engaged approaches to vulnerable populations
• COVID-19 communication in carceral systems

Current research projects address:

• Maternal/infant mortality in incarcerated populations (NIH-funded)
• Jail practices advisory council (Minnesota Department of Health)
• Home visiting services for families with criminal legal system involvement
• Youth mental health in Hennepin County Libraries