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Parents in Italy’s ‘Forest Family’ Case File New Challenge and Enlist Psychiatrist Tonino Cantelmi

The couple has retained the high-profile clinician ahead of court-ordered psychological assessments that will inform the next ruling.

Overview

  • On December 24, the family’s lawyers filed a new petition contesting the juvenile court order that suspended parental responsibility and placed the three children in a protected facility.
  • The defense submitted photos—including one published by Il Centro showing the children eating ice cream with plastic spoons—meant to counter claims about the mother’s refusal to allow plastic items.
  • The legal team named psychiatrist Tonino Cantelmi and psychologist Martina Aiello as their consultants as the tribunal moves forward with mandated psychological testing over roughly four months.
  • Earlier attempts at reunification were rejected by both the Court of Appeal and the juvenile court, which cited a lack of cooperation and noted conflicts with the assigned social worker.
  • Coverage also cites judicial findings from the 2024 mushroom poisoning episode, including refusals of a nasogastric tube and antibiotics, while Il Centro reports the mother’s messages alleging the children are anxious in care.