Fabricated or induced illness (FII) is a rare form of child abuse. It occurs when a parent or carer exaggerates or deliberately causes symptoms of illness in a child, and can cause significant harm both physically and emotionally.

It can involve a well child being presented by a parent or carer as ill or disabled, or an ill or disabled child being presented with a more significant problem than they actually have.

The NHS have produced a useful guide outlining the signs and causes and what happens if someone suspects FII.

The Government have all produced statutory guidance for professionals on protecting children where carers or parents make a child ill or pretend a child is ill.

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