معرفی
Femke de Kievit is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance, specifically affiliated with the Molengraaff Institute for Private Law and UCERF (Utrecht Centre for European Research into Family Law). She specializes in family law with a focus on informal care arrangements, adult protection measures, and the intersection of welfare state policies with family relationships. Her work contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals related to social protection and well-being.
Dr. de Kievit completed her doctoral research between 2017 and 2023, defending her dissertation titled "Promoting family and informal care in Dutch policy and regulation" on March 22, 2024. Her academic journey has positioned her as a leading expert in the legal frameworks surrounding family care and informal caregiving in the Netherlands.
Her research interests center on how legal systems can better support informal caregivers while protecting vulnerable individuals. She examines the complex interplay between family relationships, social security systems, and healthcare law, with particular attention to intergenerational care arrangements and adult protection measures. Dr. de Kievit's work critically analyzes Dutch policy approaches to family care, questioning whether current regulations adequately protect caregivers from financial and emotional risks while respecting the autonomy of those receiving care.
Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical legal solutions for informal care arrangements, with increasing attention to the financial risks faced by caregivers. Her work spans theoretical legal analysis, policy evaluation, and practical recommendations for improving legal frameworks. She frequently addresses topics related to elderly care protection, intergenerational care contracts, and the role of private law in regulating family care relationships.
Dr. de Kievit actively contributes to academic discourse through her involvement in the UCERF symposia and her participation in the STRIDE research project, a multidisciplinary NWA-ORC consortium investigating the Dutch system of legal support for vulnerable older adults. Her media contributions demonstrate her commitment to translating complex legal concepts for broader public understanding, particularly regarding the responsibilities of government versus families in care provision.
As an educator, she teaches family law to both bachelor's and master's students at Utrecht University, bringing her research expertise into the classroom. Her academic activities include numerous invited talks, conference presentations, and media appearances where she shares her insights on family law and informal care arrangements.
