C. Henry Kempe

American pediatrician and child abuse prevention pioneer

C. Henry Kempe (April 6, 1922 – March 3, 1984) was a pioneering American pediatrician and child abuse prevention advocate. He is best known for his work in identifying and raising awareness about the battered child syndrome, a term he coined to describe the clinical manifestations of child abuse. His efforts significantly contributed to the recognition of child abuse as a public health issue and led to the development of child protection laws and systems.

Early Life and Education

C. Henry Kempe was born in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland) in 1922. He emigrated to the United States with his family in 1939 to escape the Nazi regime. Kempe pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and later attended medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, where he earned his medical degree.

Career

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Dr. C. Henry Kempe

After completing his medical training, Kempe served in the United States Army during World War II. Following his military service, he completed a residency in pediatrics at the University of Colorado, where he later became a professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics.

Kempe's career was marked by his dedication to improving the welfare of children. In 1962, he published a landmark paper titled "The Battered-Child Syndrome" in the Journal of the American Medical Association. This publication was instrumental in bringing attention to the issue of child abuse and neglect, which had previously been largely unrecognized by the medical community.

The Battered Child Syndrome

The concept of the battered child syndrome was revolutionary in the field of pediatrics and child welfare. Kempe's work highlighted the physical and psychological signs of abuse, providing a framework for medical professionals to identify and report suspected cases of child abuse. His advocacy led to the establishment of mandatory reporting laws, requiring healthcare providers to report suspected abuse to authorities.

Legacy

C. Henry Kempe's contributions to child welfare have had a lasting impact on the field. He founded the Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect at the University of Colorado, which continues to be a leader in research, training, and advocacy for child protection.

Kempe's work laid the foundation for modern child protection systems and has saved countless children from abuse and neglect. His legacy is honored through various awards and recognitions, including the C. Henry Kempe Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of child abuse prevention.

Related Pages

• Child abuse
• Pediatrics
• Child protection
• Mandatory reporting