Connect with Rebecca
About Rebecca
Shlafer's research focuses on the health and development of children and families affected by the criminal legal system. Shlafer's research focuses on the developmental outcomes of children with parents in prison or jail, the health of incarcerated people, and the policies and programs that can promote health equity among justice-involved people.
Contributions
Improve Health for Adults on Community Supervision
In the News
Publications
This study used data from a statewide survey of youth in juvenile correctional facilities to assess their access to primary care, dental care, and mental health care. We also considered youths' self-reported physical and mental health concerns and how these concerns were related to access to care.
Describes the prevalence of parental incarceration in Minnesota. We collected data from every new admission to our state's Department of Corrections over a 6-month period of time. We find that most men and women in prison are parents with minor children. Incarcerated women were more likely to report being parents than incarcerated men and women were also more likely to report living with one or more of their minor children before their incarceration. Most parents reported that they would like to participate in a parenting class, if one were available to them.
Describes the characteristics of 315 fathers incarcerated in four county jails and their experiences of contact with their minor children.
In this study, we used data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health to examine the rates of physical health problems and disability among adults on community supervision (e.g., probation, parole).
Examines corrections officers' knowledge and perceptions of policies and programs that support maternal and child health in one state prison. We were specifically interested in their understanding of pregnancy and parenting education programs, doula support, and anti-shackling policies.
Explores a reproductive justice framework to consider the needs of incarcerated mothers and their infants, before, during, and after incarceration