Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) and Perplexing Presentations in Family Proceedings

Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) and Perplexing Presentations in Family Proceedings



Being accused of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) within family proceedings can be an extremely distressing and confusing time for any parent or carer.

The parents I work with often tell me it is a real struggle to find reliable information in one place about being accused of FII, how care proceedings work, and what they should be looking for when choosing a solicitor to represent them.

I hope that by sharing my experiences with you, I can help make the process clearer and easier to understand. Please get in touch at the earliest opportunity if you need legal representation or advice.

What is Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII)?

Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, refers to situations where a parent or carer is suspected of deliberately exaggerating, fabricating, or inducing medical symptoms in a child.

Such allegations are rare but very serious, often leading to involvement from health professionals, social services, and the courts.

Perplexing Presentations

FII cases often arise from what are described as “perplexing presentations”. This term refers to cases where a child’s symptoms, signs, or illnesses are not easily explained or are inconsistent, leading professionals to struggle to identify a clear diagnosis.

While not all perplexing presentations involve deliberate fabrication, they can sometimes raise safeguarding concerns and lead to further investigation.

Indicators That May Raise Concerns

Allegations of FII or perplexing presentations may arise if professionals observe patterns such as:

  • Repeated, unexplained medical symptoms or frequent medical appointments
  • Unusual investigation results and a poor response to prescribed treatments
  • Symptoms reported only by the parent or primarily witnessed at home
  • Discrepancies between reported symptoms and clinical findings
  • Concerns raised by multiple agencies, such as health visitors, schools, or GPs

Important Considerations

It is important to remember that not all such cases are the result of intentional actions by parents. Many complex medical conditions can be misunderstood.

In particular:

  • Misapplication by non-medical professionals of indicators used for FII and perplexing presentations can lead to a high incidence of children being identified where illness is neither fabricated nor induced.
  • The behaviour of autistic and neurodivergent parents and children can easily be misinterpreted or mistaken for FII.
  • Multisystemic conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can produce complex presentations that may be mistaken for FII.

What Happens If Concerns Are Raised?

If there are concerns about FII or perplexing presentations, social services or the police may become involved. In some cases, the local authority may start family court proceedings to safeguard the child.

This could include applying for court orders to assess or protect your child.

During Family Court Proceedings

During these proceedings:

  • You will receive formal notification of the concerns and the reasons for court involvement
  • You have the right to seek legal advice and representation
  • Independent assessments may be carried out by medical experts, psychologists, or social workers
  • The court will consider all evidence from professionals, the family, and other relevant sources before making any decisions

Family courts aim to make decisions that are in the child’s best interests, balancing safety, health, and family life.

Choosing the Right Legal Representation

Whilst it is vital to obtain legal advice early if you are suspected of harming your child, it is equally important to instruct a solicitor with the right knowledge and expertise for your circumstances.

You can find out more about me and my colleagues here.

Get Support and Advice

If you have been accused of FII or are facing concerns about perplexing presentations in family proceedings, you are not alone.

For expert legal representation, please get in touch on 01803 213251 or email info@parentsaccused.co.uk.