INDUCED ILLNESS IN CHILDREN

Early day motion 2688, tabled 10 October 2006 by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 9 members.

That this House notes that guidance from the Department for Education and Skills, entitled Safeguarding Children in Whom Illness is Induced or Fabricated by Carers with Parenting Responsibilities, says that `when a "possible" explanation for the signs and symptoms of illness is that "they may have been fabricated or induced by a carer", and as a consequence the "child's health or development is or is likely to be impaired", a referral should be made to the social services department'; further notes that the effect of the above is to require parents alleged to have induced illness in their children to prove their innocence, rather than to require those accusing parents of inducing illness in their children to prove the guilt of parents; and calls for a review of this guidance.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 4, Labour 2, Conservative 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.