Arjen van Assen

Arjen van Assen is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, specializing in Child and Family Welfare. His research focuses on services for children and families facing complex and multiple problems, particularly in youth care and intensive family support contexts.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Pedagogical Sciences (University of Groningen, 2013)
• Master’s in Educational Sciences (cum laude, 2014)
• Research Master in Behavioural and Social Sciences (2015)
• PhD (2022) on Child-Centred Care for Vulnerable Families

Research Interests: Van Assen investigates interventions for families with complex needs, focusing on LGBTQ+ youth care, gender disparities in service provision, and innovative care models like dual-keyworker approaches. His work integrates policy analysis, clinical practice evaluation, and systemic intervention strategies.

Teaching & Supervision:

• Primary instructor for courses in research methodology, statistics, and ethics in social sciences
• Supervised bachelor’s and master’s theses on topics like youth participation and care fidelity
• Coordinator of the Research Practical course and systematic review workshops

Affiliations:

• Member of the Expertise Centre for Complex Family Problems
• Academic Centre for Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD)
• Former Board Member of EUSARF Academy (2016–2021)

Grants & Recognition: Received funding from Pro Juventute for research on preventive youth coaching strategies.