bailii.org

Case number – EWFF/OS/2017/B19

In recent years there has been an increase in cases of FII ( Fabricated and Induced Illness ) brought into court against children suffering with EDS ( Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) a genetic condition. These cases also including frightening police investigations.

Although, in this case court eventually found in their favour the police investigation continued.

It is a worrying trend that many more EDS cases are being taken to court and it is now becoming increasingly difficult to find EDS specialists willing to attend court. This leaves many families with children taken into long-term foster care.

As in this case there is a cross over between criminal and Family court leaving some families cleared by police. However, they are still taken to family court where clear evidence does not have to be provided and it is assessed on probability rather than evidence.