Canopy Center CASA Case Coordinator Mishelle Roberts recently presented at the 2026 International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) Congress in Melbourne, Australia, speaking to nearly 100 doctors, social workers, medical professionals, law enforcement officers and other child advocates about Medical Child Abuse, also commonly known as Munchausen by Proxy Abuse.
Mishelle’s connection to the topic is personal. After experiencing Medical Child Abuse within her own family, she joined a support group for survivors and non-offending family members in 2022. The experience became an important part of her healing and also showed her how a lack of awareness can allow this type of abuse to remain hidden.
At the Congress, Mishelle shared parts of her family’s experience and discussed missed opportunities that she believes can inform better outcomes for children today. Her presentation explored what Medical Child Abuse can look like, how it affects children experiencing the abuse as well as those who witness it, and how professionals can become better equipped to recognize and respond to concerns.
Medical Child Abuse occurs when a caregiver fabricates, exaggerates or induces illness in another person, generally a child. In some cases, a caregiver may report symptoms, behaviors or limitations that others do not observe. For example, a parent may report that a child cannot eat without experiencing certain symptoms, while others observe the child eating without those issues. Reported symptoms may also improve when the child is separated from the caregiver.
Children experiencing this type of abuse may not understand that they are being harmed, which makes consistent, attentive adults in their lives especially important.
That is also where Mishelle sees a direct connection to her work with CASA of Dane & Columbia Counties. CASA Advocates are not responsible for diagnosing abuse, but the time they spend with children can give them opportunities to listen, observe and document concerns. If an advocate notices something that does not align with what has been reported, they can share those observations with their CASA Case Coordinator and determine appropriate next steps.
Above all, Mishelle emphasizes the importance of continuing to show up for the child, listening to what they are experiencing and making sure their voice is heard.
Her work educating others about Medical Child Abuse also gives her another perspective to bring to the advocates she supports every day. Whether speaking with professionals from around the world or working alongside CASA Advocates here at Canopy Center, the focus remains the same: helping adults recognize concerns, respond appropriately and advocate for children.
Additional resource: Mishelle recommends Munchausen Support for those interested in learning more.
