Fabricated or induced illness (FII) is a rare form of child abuse. It occurs when a parent or carer, usually the child’s biological mother, exaggerates or deliberately causes symptoms of illness in the child. 

 

FII is also known as “Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy” (not to be confused with Munchausen’s syndrome, where a person pretends to be ill or causes illness or injury to themselves). 

Resources: 

New! Fabricated or Induced Illness Research Report 

The Governments  Guidance for Safeguarding Children in whom illness is fabricated or induced’ which is  Supplementary guidance to Working Together to Safeguard Children. This guidance is for local authorities, schools, police, health authorities, social workers, local safeguarding children partnerships. 

Pan London CP Procedures for FII 

Overview of Fabricated or Induced Illness from the NHS possible causes, signs and what to do

Fabricated or Induced Illness and Perplexing Presentations Abbreviated Practice Guide for Social Work Practitioners from BASW