Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

File on 4

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Factual: Politics

Award-winning current affairs documentary series

Award-winning current affairs documentary series investigating major issues at home and abroad

BBC Radio 4 LW

File on 4: Children with ME

Factual

Children with ME

27/06/2017

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Children with ME

Families of children with a severe fatigue condition say they have been accused of abuse.

An investigation into claims that some families of children with ME are being accused of abuse by the authorities. Matthew Hill reports.

File on 4 investigates claims that parents whose children suffer from a crippling illness that leaves them sick and permanently exhausted have been falsely accused of child abuse. 

Parents of children with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) reveal how they have been investigated and referred for child protection measures on suspicion of a rare form of child abuse known as Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII). 

FII, also sometimes known as Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy, is extremely rare and occurs when a parent or carer exaggerates or deliberately causes the symptoms of a child's illness. One charity says FII is being used inappropriately by education and health professionals. We talk to families who claim the stress caused by this accusation has made their children worse.

With doctors divided over the best way to treat children, what's the impact on families?

Reporter: Matthew Hill
Producer: Nicola Dowling.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

File on 4

Children with ME

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4