Factitious Disorder by Proxy (Munchausen Syndrome): Nationally Recognized Expertise in Child Abuse Pediatrics and Forensic Interviews
Specialized Expertise in Factitious Disorder by Proxy (FDbyP)
Factitious Disorder by Proxy (commonly referred to as “Munchausen syndrome by proxy”) is one of the most complex and misunderstood forms of child abuse. It requires specialized expertise in child abuse pediatrics, forensic interviewing, and mental health assessments to identify, evaluate, and testify in these challenging cases.
Our nationally recognized team, led by experts in child abuse pediatrics and forensic interviewing, provides critical consultation to public agencies, hospital systems, and legal teams dealing with FDbyP cases. With decades of experience in highly complex cases and litigation, we ensure thorough, evidence-based analysis that prioritizes the child’s safety while upholding the highest legal and medical standards.
What is Factitious Disorder by Proxy (FDbyP)?
Factitious Disorder by Proxy involves a caregiver—often a parent—fabricating, exaggerating, or inducing illness in a child to gain attention, sympathy, or validation. It is considered both a medical and mental health issue and is classified as a form of child abuse. These cases are often difficult to identify and may be over-diagnosed, requiring highly specialized medical, psychological, and objective investigative expertise. We find these cases benefit from “outside eyes” when involving hospital systems involved in the direct care of involved children and families.
Our team bridges the gap between:
- Child Abuse Pediatrics: Understanding medical patterns, symptoms, and evidence of fabricated or induced illness.
- Forensic Interviewing: Conducting child-centered, trauma-informed interviews to uncover key facts while minimizing harm.
- Mental Health Assessments: Analyzing caregiver behaviors and psychological profiles consistent with FDbyP.
Our Services for FDbyP Cases
1. Expert Medical Review and Consultation
We specialize in identifying medical inconsistencies and patterns that indicate factitious disorder by proxy. Our services include:
- Thorough analysis of medical records, hospitalizations, and caregiver reports.
- Identification of fabricated symptoms or induced harm.
- Collaboration with hospital systems and public agencies to establish medical and forensic evidence.
2. Forensic Interview Expertise
Our nationally recognized forensic interviewers conduct trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate interviews to:
- Evaluate caregiver narratives and discrepancies in reported symptoms.
- Provide clear, credible documentation for use in litigation or investigations.
3. Expert Witness Testimony
When applicable, our child abuse pediatricians and forensic experts provide compelling, evidence-based testimony in FDbyP cases. We offer:
- Clear, authoritative courtroom testimony for complex cases.
- Expert opinions that bridge medical, psychological, and legal frameworks.
- Support for public agencies, hospitals, and legal teams navigating FDbyP litigation.
4. Public Agency and Hospital Collaboration
We partner with child protection agencies, hospital systems, and law enforcement to:
- Identify and evaluate suspected cases of factitious disorder by proxy.
- Develop protocols for recognizing signs of fabricated or induced illness.
- Offer training and consultations on best practices for detection, reporting, and case management.
Why Work With Us?
- Nationally Recognized Experts
Our team includes leading child abuse pediatricians and forensic interview specialists with extensive experience handling FDbyP cases across the country. - Unparalleled Expertise in Complex Cases
FDbyP cases often involve highly complex medical and psychological dynamics. We bring a multidisciplinary approach that integrates:- Pediatric medicine
- Mental health analysis
- Forensic investigations
- Evidence-Based, Legally Defensible Methods
We adhere to the highest standards of medical evaluation, forensic interviewing, and mental health analysis to produce findings that stand up in court and litigation. - Trusted by Public Agencies and Hospital Systems
We have a proven record of collaboration with child protection services, hospitals, and legal teams to resolve challenging cases while prioritizing child safety. - Expert Support in Litigation
We provide comprehensive, unbiased expert opinions and testimony to support investigations, legal proceedings, and court decisions in factitious disorder by proxy cases.
Who We Work With
- Public Agencies: Child protection services, law enforcement, and investigators.
- Hospital Systems: Pediatric hospitals and medical professionals involved in suspected cases.
- Attorneys and Legal Teams: Expert support in civil and criminal litigation.
- Judges and Courts: Clear, credible testimony in highly complex abuse cases.
National Leadership in Factitious Disorder by Proxy Cases
Factitious Disorder by Proxy (Munchausen syndrome by proxy) cases are rare, complex, and emotionally charged. They demand the expertise of nationally known specialists who can skillfully evaluate the medical, mental health, and forensic components of each case.
Our team has been trusted to lead investigations, testify in court, and guide hospitals and public agencies toward justice and child protection. When the stakes are high, our expertise makes the difference.