As FII Awareness Week draws to a close we are excited to share with you a new resource.
We know that many UK families with children who have PANS and PANDAS are currently subject to safeguarding referrals or allegations of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII). The factors behind why this is happening are multiple and complex, but the impact on families is simple. Families who are already struggling to support a medically complex child are being further traumatised by being blamed for their child's illness.
In collaboration with Cathleen Long (independent social worker and co-author of the recent British Association of Social Work's practice guidance on FII and Perplexing Presentations), PANS PANDAS UK have written a guide for social work, healthcare and education professionals. You can read it in full here.
The guide sets out the reasons why so many PANS and PANDAS families are unfairly being accused of harming their child. It explores what professionals can do differently to ensure that all children are kept safe without unnecessarily targeting families of children with medical conditions. It makes recommendations about how professionals can work collaboratively and in a trauma-informed way to assess any children presenting with symptoms of these post-infectious disorders. We encourage all relevant professionals to take the time to read this guide.
We are so grateful to all the professionals and families who shared their time and experience with the authors. We couldn't have done it without you.