Both parents appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Prosecutors elected not to proceed with an aggravated count of committing an act likely to cause harm and also withdrew a charge of deception against each of them.
The father walked free from court but the mother is now charged with one count of criminal neglect, 57 counts of deception and 14 counts of dishonestly dealing with property.
In December, Acting Assistant Police Commissioner John DeCandia said it would be alleged she shaved her six-year-old child's head and eyebrows, and placed him in a wheelchair with bandages, to imitate stereotactic radiotherapy treatment.
"Our investigation has confirmed the child is not seeking medical treatment. We believe this farce illness is causing significant and serious psychological harm to the child and their sibling," he alleged.
Prosecutors allege the mother accepted donations on 71 occasions between November 21 and December 12, 2024.
Court documents allege she received donations ranging from $10 to $3000, and totalling $21,962.
The criminal neglect charge states that she had a duty of care to her son, who allegedly "suffered harm as a result of" her actions.
"(The mother) was, or ought to have been, aware that there was an appreciable risk that harm would be caused to (her son) by the act," prosecutors allege.
"She failed to take steps that she could reasonably be expected to have taken in the circumstances to protect (him) from harm.
"Her failure to do so was, in the circumstances, so serious that a criminal penalty is warranted."
The woman, from suburban Adelaide, was remanded in custody to face court again on August 12.
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