Social worker under investigation in Italian ‘family in the woods’ case

The Abruzzo Social Workers Order has opened disciplinary proceedings against Veruska D'Angelo, the social worker overseeing the case of the ‘family in the woods’ in Palmoli. The investigation follows reports alleging violations of the professional code of ethics, including a lack of impartiality, making value judgments on the family's educational model, and failing to respect confidentiality and professional relationship standards.

Giuseppina Tittaferrante has been appointed to support the case. While some reports suggested a replacement, D'Angelo's legal counsel stated that Tittaferrante will act in a supporting role rather than a full replacement to assist with the complex tasks of managing the children's gradual reintegration into the family and their school enrollment.

The case involves Anglo-Australian parents Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallion, whose three children were removed from their home last November. The L'Aquila Juvenile Court has recently outlined a gradual reunification process to facilitate the children's return to their parents.