What is fabricated or induced illness? (FII)
FII cases are those where parents or carers are believed to be harming their children through certain behaviour or actions, carried out to convince doctors that the child’s state of physical and/or mental health or even neurodevelopment is impaired.
This may take several forms, including:
- Doctors or other health professionals, or schools and other services raising concerns regarding the child’s health, such as repeated and unnecessary appointments/tests or induction of illness (poisoning/suffocation);
- Actions that have an effect on the child’s development and daily life, including limited and interrupted school attendance and education, the child’s normal activities being limited, the child assuming a sick role and the child being socially isolated;
- Concerns regarding the child’s psychological health and well-being. The child may be actively colluding with the parent’s illness deception and be confused and anxious.
When the local authority becomes involved, they need to determine the difference between a parent who is overly anxious about their child’s health and those who are exhibiting behaviours that are not appropriate. If the case goes to court, children may be removed from their parent or carer due to the risk that is posed.
These cases are unusual and usually quite complex and no two cases are the same. They are rare and often perplexing for medical and legal professionals alike.
We understand these complexities and have the right legal knowledge to help steer your case in the right direction, helping instruct the right type of experts and advocates in your case.
How we can help?
If you are experiencing social services involvement with your children at Child Protection level or PLO level (Public Law Outline proceedings) or even if the local authority has informed you they may be issuing care proceedings in the Family Court, then Bromleys Solicitors can assist you. We are highly-experienced in assisting parents at all stages of care proceedings and social services processes, and we certainly have in-depth knowledge of FII cases.
If you need help, please contact our experienced care proceedings and children services team who can help you with any concerns you may have. Contact our team, on our dedicated helpline 0161 694 4149 or email newcareenquiries@bromleys.co.uk. for your free initial telephone discussion. If you prefer, you can fill in our online form or alternatively, you can email us on bromleys@bromleys.co.uk and we’ll call you back.
Related articles of interest
Intervenors in Care Proceedings
Court Weighs in on Child Obesity
What is Legal Aid, and who is entitled to it?
A brief overview of Public and Private Law Proceedings
Why parents involved in Public Law Outline process need legal representation