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6h ago

Italian Court Places Off-Grid Couple’s Children in Protective Care After Welfare Ruling

The court cited failures in schooling, sanitation, income, with an appeal planned next week.

Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham pose for a picture with their children, who have been removed from their custody following an order from a juvenile court. A portion of this photo has been blurred by CNN to protect identities.
Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham pose for a picture with their children. A portion of this photo has been blurred by CNN to protect identities.
Photos from the Catherine Birmingham's website show parts of the property in Abruzzo, Italy.
Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham pose for a picture with their children. A portion of this photo has been blurred by CNN to protect identities.

Overview

  • A juvenile court in L'Aquila ordered the removal of three children from their British father and Australian mother, placing them in a church-run facility where the mother is staying on the premises with limited access.
  • The written order said the home was not certified habitable, lacked toilet facilities, provided no formal schooling or social interaction, and that the parents had no fixed income.
  • Authorities began sustained oversight after all five family members were hospitalized in September 2024 for mushroom poisoning, and the family did not adopt recommended steps such as regular medical care and school enrollment, according to their lawyer.
  • Public support has grown with tens of thousands signing petitions, while Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the decision and said he would intervene, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the justice minister about the case.
  • Father Nathan Trevallion called the removal an injustice, the family’s lawyer says the children were in good physical condition, and the legal team plans to appeal the ruling next week.