Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII): further investigations
The Sunday Times has published a further article concerning its investigation into the false allegations that are being made against parents that they are fabricating or inducing their child’s illness. It has also published an Open Letter signed by professionals, academics, parent carers and representatives of organisations in disability and health that calls for the urgent withdrawal of current guidance on FII.
The article was published in the paper edition on 27 July 2025 and the on-line title is entitled ‘I’ve seen abusive parents, but the scale of false claims is shocking’ and can be accessed by clicking here – but only if you have a Times subscription.[1]
The article in the paper edition has a strap line ‘Accusations of fabricating child illnesses are on the rise, and could be used by councils to silence ‘demanding’ families, a safeguarding expert says’. It includes an interview with a police safeguarding consultant who discusses the possibility of accusations of this kind being a form of retaliation against families who persist in ‘asking for help’. Research evidence suggests that a significant proportion of allegations of FII are made after a family has made a complaint.
The Sunday Times has also published a podcast with Elly Chapple, a mother wrongly accused of FII, and the journalist Emily Dugan. This can be accessed by clicking here.
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[1] It is possible to subscribe for 3 months for £1 and before the expiry period to unsubscribe.
.Picture Cors Caron Tregaron.
Posted 28 July 2025.