Child protection level 3: topic specific - fabricated or induced illness by carers course

In depth analysis of the individual topic. All health staff working with children have a key role to play in safeguarding children in whom illness is fabricated or induced by a parent or carer.

Staff will learn that whilst no universally agreed definition exists, fabricated or induced illness (FII) in a child 0-18 years is a condition whereby a child suffers harm through the apparently deliberate actions of his or her main carer, and which is duplicitously attributed by the adult to another cause. Staff will learn that in this very complex form of abuse, power is a central issue for the perpetrator both in the context of the child and of professionals. The course explores the historical background to FII, the FII continuum, ways in which carers fabricate or induce, barriers to identification of the abuse, recognition of emerging signs and symptoms in both child victim and adult perpetrator, prevalence, incidence, multi-disciplinary or agency management and outcomes and the role of covert video surveillance (CVS). The course explores professional responses to FII along with the role of the media.

By the end of the course you will:

• have an indepth knowledge of FII and understand how the child is harmed
• recognise signs, symptoms and possible early indicators of FII and understand the potential perpetrator profiles.
• know how to manage an FII case in a multi-agency context
• clearly understand your own health role as well as police and social work roles
• have an awareness of legislation regarding covert video surveillance, and a good knowledge of the possible pathways for interventions and enquiry
• be aware of the possible outcomes for the child victim in the short, medium and long term and issues around intergenerational cycles
• demonstrate a good working knowledge of FII and have the confidence to apply theory to practice to protect the child (evidenced by CP audit)

Level 2 and 3: For all staff who work predominantly with children, young people and their parents or carers. And health staff who have particular responsibilities in relation to undertaking S47 enquiries, including consultants, paediatricians and registrars, senior nursing staff managers and staff who work with complex cases.

Sarah Steele

023 8079 8409

Sarah.Steele@suht.swest.nhs.uk|

Susan Barnes

023 8079 8409

Susan.Barnes@suht.swest.nhs.uk|