Chris Kuiper

Chris Kuiper serves as a Lecturer at Leiden University of Applied Sciences and holds a special professorship at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, focusing on the Intergenerational Transmission of Risk and Protective Factors in the Upbringing of Youth. Additionally, he is Director of Innovation and Quality at iHUB, demonstrating his multifaceted engagement across academic, research, and practical youth care domains.

His educational background includes completing his dissertation 'Eventmaker' in 2007 at the University for Humanistic Studies, after beginning his career as an occupational therapist. Professor Kuiper's research interests span youth care innovation, behavioral problems in young people, residential education, and integrated care approaches, with a strong emphasis on involving young people as co-researchers in his work.

Professor Kuiper's research output shows a consistent focus on practical applications in youth care settings. His recent publications address critical issues such as group climate in residential care, family-centered practice, safety perceptions in special education, and the impact of organizational transformations in youth care facilities. His work demonstrates a commitment to methodologically sound research that directly addresses practical challenges in the field.

• Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Dutch Occupational Therapy Association
• Chair of the Steering Committee for the Quality Compass at Association for Disability Care Netherlands
• Chair of the working group Revision of the Residential Youth Care Guidelines 2022-2024 at Netherlands Youth Institute

Professor Kuiper supervises both completed and ongoing PhD research, with a particular focus on vulnerable youth, residential care effectiveness, and integrated youth care approaches. His 'Working Together, Learning Together' learning network exemplifies his commitment to connecting research, education, and practice through collaborative knowledge development involving professionals, students, young people, and parents.

His research group 'Valuable Care' operates on the principle that meaningful change in youth care requires multiple perspectives - professionals, researchers, policymakers, young people, and parents all contributing to solutions. This multi-voiced approach underpins his belief that no single perspective alone can improve youth care systems.