Overview
- The Juvenile Court of L'Aquila suspended parental responsibility on Nov. 20 and placed the three children in a Vasto residential facility.
- The court guardian and facility staff describe Catherine Birmingham as rigid and non‑collaborative and are weighing her removal, with a decision expected next week.
- The mother currently has limited daily contact with the children inside the facility, where tensions with staff have been reported.
- The children have had almost two months without formal schooling, though a teacher has offered to provide instruction inside the house‑family.
- Public scrutiny has intensified as the national children's ombudswoman warned against causing further trauma and a local supporter filed a complaint opposing the removal.