The three children who lived with their parents in an isolated house in the woods of Palmoli (Chieti) were removed from the home and transferred today to an educational community, where they will remain for an evaluation period. The decision was taken by the Juvenile Court of L’Aquila. The mother will be able to stay with them. Social workers, the family’s lawyer, Giovanni Angelucci, and various law enforcement units participated in the execution of the measure.
A life choice that divides
The story sparked a strong public debate. Around 31 thousand people have signed an online petition in defense of the family of Anglo-Australian origin, who long ago decided to live far from population centers and essential services such as electricity, water and gas. The parents have always maintained that they wanted to raise their children – an eight-year-old girl and two six-year-old twins – immersed in nature, following a home educational path with the support of a private teacher from Molise.
Why did the Court intervene
The intervention of the juvenile judiciary began last year, after the children ended up in hospital due to mushroom poisoning. Following an inspection by the Carabinieri, parental rights were suspended, without however interrupting family coexistence. With the new provision, the children will have to remain in the structure indicated by the judge. The parents reject any accusation of neglect, claiming that their choice reflects a natural life model and a strong bond with their children and animals
