Eugenia Roccella calls for child welfare assessments in family reunification cases

Eugenia Roccella, the Italian Minister for Family, Natality, and Equal Opportunities, has called for independent third-party assessments regarding the impact of judicial decisions on the well-being of children. This proposal comes in response to the case of the Trevallion family, often referred to as the ‘family in the woods,’ who are undergoing a gradual reunification process with their parents.

Roccella noted that while judges have established a phased reunification to facilitate the family's reunion, the ongoing limitations and extended timelines necessitate an objective evaluation. She emphasized that because decisions are made in the interest of minors, it is essential to examine the psychological and physical health of the children before and after such measures to ensure their best interests are being met.