Court Orders Removal of Children from Family Living in Abruzzo Forest

The case of Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham, a couple living with their three children in a forested area of Abruzzo, Italy, has garnered significant public attention following a court ruling that mandated the removal of their children from their home. The family, known as the Bimbi nel Bosco or "kids in the woods," has been living in a non-traditional setting, which has raised concerns among local authorities regarding the children's welfare.

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On November 23, 2025, a court in L’Aquila ordered the removal of the couple's children—an eight-year-old and six-year-old twins—citing serious violations of the children's rights to physical and mental integrity. The court's order highlighted that the family's living conditions were deemed uninhabitable, lacking essential facilities such as running water and indoor toilets. The ruling stated that the family had no fixed income, minimal social interaction, and that the children were not enrolled in school. The situation came to light after the family was hospitalized for mushroom poisoning in September 2024, prompting social services to investigate their living conditions.

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The court's decision has sparked outrage and support for the family, with tens of thousands of people signing an online petition advocating for their reunification. Prominent political figures, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, have publicly criticized the ruling. Meloni described the removal as "alarming," while Salvini expressed his disapproval, stating it was "shameful" for the state to interfere in the family's private life. Local mayor Giuseppe Masciulli also condemned the decision, suggesting that the situation could be resolved if the family complied with certain requirements, such as reinstating running water and ensuring the children receive regular education.

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Trevallion and Birmingham maintain that their children are happy and well-cared for, with Trevallion questioning the necessity of breaking their family bond. The couple plans to appeal the court's decision, with their lawyer, Giovanni Angelucci, indicating that they will pursue legal avenues to regain custody. Birmingham, who operates a life coaching business, has faced scrutiny for sharing images of her children online, which the court deemed a violation of their privacy.

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While the court's ruling is based on concerns for the children's welfare, the family's supporters argue that their lifestyle is a conscious choice that promotes well-being. The discrepancy between the court's assessment and the family's portrayal of their life raises questions about the criteria used to evaluate parental responsibility and children's rights in non-traditional living situations.

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• “They are happy, smell good, well-mannered, and well-fed; why break this bond?” — Nathan Trevallion, Father

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• “shameful that the State is concerned with private education and the personal life choices of two parents who found Italy a hospitable country, yet it steals their children.” — Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister

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• “I’m a father myself, so I was deeply shocked by the situation,” — Giuseppe Masciulli, Mayor of Palmoli

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The outcome of the family's appeal and the broader implications for parental rights in Italy remain to be seen as the case continues to unfold.

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