Developing Good Practice in Cases of Fabricated and Induced Illness by Carers: New Guidance and the Training Implications

• NCJ Number: 199958
• Journal: Child Abuse Review Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2003 Pages: 58-63
• Author(s): Jan Horwath
• Date Published: January 2003
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This paper discusses training issues in preparing professionals who work with children to recognize cases of fabricated and induced illness in children by carers (FII), also known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

Abstract

Britain's Department of Health, Home Office and the Department for Employment and Skills has provided guidance for cases of FII by preparing the publication entitled, "Safeguarding Children in whom Illness Is Induced or Fabricated by Carers With Parenting Responsibilities." Guidance in this publication supplements guidance provided in "Working Together to Safeguard Children." In addition, the Royal College for Pediatrics and Child Health has produced a report on FII. The report focuses on the effects on children of FII and the role of pediatricians in addressing this condition. The task for practitioners is indicated to be consideration of the impact of FII on the child; hence, the carer's behavior should be assessed in terms of his/her capacity to meet the needs of the child. The complexity of the assessment task in cases of FII is acknowledged in all the documents mentioned, and emphasis is given to the importance of using skilled and experienced staff. Training for those in contact with children or parents should alert staff to the ways in which FII can present in children and how practitioners should manage their concerns in compliance with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Interagency training should address ways in which the professional should contribute and work with others to assess, plan, and intervene to meet the needs of children subject to FII. The training should explore issues of confidentiality and the limits to working in partnership with parents and other professionals in cases of FII. Training should also target staff who are involved in co-working on complex tasks in relation to FII. Effective multidisciplinary training and practice is crucial if professionals are to work together to meet the needs of children abused because of FII. 13 references