Safeguarding Children When Fabricated or Induced Illness Is Suspected or Proven: Reviewing the Experiences of Local Safeguarding Children Boards in England

Abstract

‘The views of representatives from… Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) in England were sought on the challenges to safeguarding children from FII’The fabrication or induction of illness (FII) is a relatively rare situation which can lead to serious physical and/or emotional harm to a child. FII is often difficult for professionals to identify and manage. In this study the views of representatives from the 147 Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) in England were sought on the challenges to safeguarding children from FII, and how these might be overcome. Despite a low response rate of only 18 from the 147 LSCBs, 17 challenges were identified. The most reported were inadequate training and resources, poor multi‐agency collaboration, uncertainties and anxiety among professionals tasked with identifying FII, issues inherent in the relative rarity of FII and the variety of ways in which it can present. To overcome these challenges, LSCB respondents suggested that more training, specific to particular professions and using video case studies where possible, should be conducted on a wider scale, and consideration should be given to ensuring that professionals are familiar with relevant guidance.Key Practitioner Messages Professionals' uncertainties and anxieties are key challenges to safeguarding children from FII. More training would help overcome professionals' uncertainties and anxieties. Finding ways to ensure that all relevant professionals are familiar with existing guidance would support the development of greater knowledge about how best to respond to FII cases. The inclusion of FII within broader safeguarding training, using video case studies and conducting profession‐specific training, may constitute ways to improve training and promote knowledge of the guidance.