Children from ‘family in the woods’ to begin public schooling

Three children from the ‘family in the woods’ are set to begin attending public school in Vasto on September 16, marking a transition from their previous homeschooling. The twins will enter second grade, while their older sister will enter fourth grade.

Under an ordinance from the Aquila Juvenile Court, the children’s integration will be gradual and monitored by child neuropsychiatry services. To facilitate contact with their parents, Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham, the children will not attend full-time classes. Instead, they may spend some hours with their parents during the week under the supervision of an educator, with potential weekend visits from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening.

Legal counsel Simone Pillon has filed a 66-page appeal with the Court of Appeal against the juvenile court's decision. The defense argues that the ruling failed to assess health risks associated with being separated from the family and limits the parents' rights to education. The defense is requesting the children's immediate return home and the authorization of a homeschooling project managed by teachers provided by the municipality.