Uncovering Subversive Child Abuse found in Muchausen by Proxy with Detective Mike Weber [Episode 156]

Detective Mike Weber is interviewed on the Intentional Clinician podcast with Paul Krauss MA LPC. Mike draws on his deep experience investigating Munchausen by Proxy(MBP)—a rare but harrowing form of child abuse where caregivers fabricate or induce illness in children for attention or other psychological gain. Weber has investigated more cases of medical child abuse than almost any other detective in the U.S., with over a dozen arrests and several convictions to his name. His work, often in partnership with medical experts, highlights the severe systemic challenges faced in prosecuting MBP crimes: cases are difficult to prove, victims are vulnerable, and the legal system is often hesitant to accept the reality that a mother could deliberately harm her child.

Weber recounts intensely complex casework involving detailed deception, manipulation of medical professionals, and lasting trauma for victims. He describes cases where mothers made up or caused symptoms—one involving hundreds of falsified doctor visits over years, which ultimately was dismissed before reaching trial due to prosecutorial reluctance. Weber is outspoken about systemic shortcomings, emphasizing that many cases never see a courtroom and that awareness, better training, and stronger advocacy are urgently needed.

Weber’s book, The Mother Next Door, co-authored with Andrea Dunlop, combines true crime storytelling and psychological analysis to explore MBP through the lens of three chilling real cases: Hope Ybarra, Brittany Phillips, and Mary Welch. The book not only exposes the devastation of MBP but also examines the emotional consequences for families and the formidable difficulties in holding perpetrators accountable. Weber and Dunlop offer both expert insights and personal perspectives to illuminate the hidden epidemic of medical child abuse and the often-overlooked complexity of prosecuting MBP cases.

 

Through his interviews, book, and advocacy, Detective Mike Weber is helping reshape public understanding and institutional response to subversive child abuse in the form of Munchausen by Proxy, pushing for a future where these children are better protected and perpetrators are held truly accountable.

 

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Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant , host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, Counseling Supervisor, and Meditation Teacher. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, and