Policy Press

Understanding Parent Blame

Institutional Failure and Complex Trauma

Edited by Luke Clements and Ana Laura Aiello

This edited collection brings together academics, practitioners, activists, parents and young people to explore the nature and causes of parent–carer blame. It interrogates its prevalence, impact and potential pathways for reform.

Luke Clements is Chair in Law and Social Justice at the University of Leeds.

Ana Laura Aiello is Research Assistant in Law & Social Justice at the University of Leeds.

1. Introduction – Luke Clements and Ana Laura Aiello

2. Recurring Themes: parent blame and systems generated trauma – Luke Clements and Ana Laura Aiello

3. Parent Blame and Complex Trauma – Peter Baker, Linda Hume and Vivien Cooper

4. Parent Blame in Education: working together to find solutions to school attendance difficulties – Louise Parker Engels

5. That woman! – Verity Laws (pseudonym)

6. Fabricated or Induced Illness: The controversial history, missing evidence-base and iatrogenic harm – Andy Bilson, Alessandro Talia, Taliah Drayak, Mary Margaret (pseudonym), Sarah Smith (pseudonym) and Michelle Spence

7. Managing the data: allegations that parents are fabricating or inducing their child’s illness – Luke Clements, Ana Laura Aiello and Derek Tilley

8. Child Protection and the Experiences of Autistic Parents Accused of Fabricated or Induced Illness – Cathleen Long, Rachel Gavin and Esther Whitney

9. A sibling perspective on FII – Kaydence Drayak

10. Parent Blame and the NHS – Amy (pseudonym)

11. Forging an Alliance – Lucy Fullard

12. Conclusions: The Way Forward – Luke Clements, Ana Laura Aiello, Louise Arnold and Lucy Fullard