An Italian court has ordered the removal of three children from their British-Australian parents, who had been raising them off-grid in a wooded area in Abruzzo, sparking debate over alternative lifestyles. The children, aged eight and six, were taken to a church-run facility after a judge ruled they were suffering from serious violations of their rights.
The family, including Nathan Trevallion from Bristol and Catherine Birmingham from Melbourne, moved to a dilapidated property in Palmoli in 2021. They grew their own food, used solar power, and collected water from a well, homeschooling the children. However, in September last year, the entire family was hospitalised after eating poisonous mushrooms, prompting an investigation by social services.
Authorities found the home in poor condition, lacking basic utilities and toilet facilities. The court noted the family had no social interaction, no fixed income, and the children did not attend school. The parents have limited access to their children, according to their lawyer, Giovanni Angelucci, who plans to appeal, claiming the judge's report contained falsehoods.
The case has drawn political attention, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing alarm and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini comparing it to a kidnapping. The ANM union warned against exploitation of the case, stating the decision was based on safety and hygiene concerns. Sociologist Chiara Saraceno questioned the focus on this family while many impoverished children live in poor conditions.
