Mulock Houwer

Daniël Quirijn Robert Mulock Houwer (1903-1985) is an influential figure in the history of youth care. He himself grew up in private educational institutions where punishment and oppression determined the educational climate. He moved from foster home to foster home. In the mid-1920s he began a long career in youth care. First at various institutions for young people who could not live at home, later as head of the National Office for Child Protection. Mulock Houwer did not preach reforms from behind his desk, but brought about changes and improvements that resulted from his experiences in practice. Anyone who now delves into his ideas will be surprised by the current significance of his work.