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Italian Court Orders Off-Grid Family's Three Children Into Care

Judges in L'Aquila said the children's wellbeing was at risk due to lack of schooling, sanitation, social contact and a stable income.

Overview

  • The juvenile court suspended parental care and placed the eight-year-old and six-year-old twins in protective foster accommodation.
  • The family came under scrutiny after all five were hospitalised in September 2024 for mushroom poisoning, which triggered inspections.
  • Mother Catherine Birmingham was permitted to accompany the children to the facility for their first night to ease the separation.
  • Parents Nathan Trevallion and Birmingham deny maltreatment, say the children were healthy, and have hired a lawyer to challenge the decision.
  • The case has drawn public backing via an online petition exceeding 13,000 signatures and criticism from Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini of the court's move.