Palmoli mayor disputes cancellation of forest family reunion

A planned reunion between the ‘famiglia del bosco’ (forest family) and their children at a new residence in Palmoli was canceled at the last moment. Social services reportedly blocked the meeting, citing concerns regarding security and privacy. However, Palmoli Mayor Giuseppe Masciulli contested this, stating that the area had been cleared of journalists and photographers and that he had photographic evidence of the empty space.

The children, who were separated from their parents, Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallion, by the Aquila Juvenile Court approximately 300 days ago, are expected to have gradual reintegration. Mayor Masciulli noted that the children face difficult travel conditions due to winter weather and local infrastructure issues, such as a collapsed bridge on the Trigno river.

To support the family, the municipality of Palmoli, which has only 850 inhabitants, has allocated 75,000 euros to cover the costs associated with the family home provided through a temporary loan for use.