# Italian child welfare case in Palmoli

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-child-welfare-case-in-palmoli
> Updated: 2026-09-08T09:38:38.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

The case of the ‘family in the woods’ in Palmoli, involving Anglo-Australian parents Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallion, has entered a new phase following the removal of their three children last November. 

The L'Aquila Juvenile Court has outlined a gradual reunification process, which includes the children beginning overnight stays with their parents starting in October. To facilitate this, a new social worker, Giuseppina Tittaferrante, has been appointed to support the professional team. Legal counsel for the family clarified that Tittaferrante is intended to assist rather than fully replace the existing social worker, Veruska D'Angelo.

Simultaneously, the Abruzzo Social Workers Order has opened disciplinary proceedings against D'Angelo. The investigation focuses on alleged violations of the professional code of ethics, specifically regarding impartiality, confidentiality, and the making of value judgments concerning the family’s educational model.

In a recent development, the children are scheduled to return to their home in Palmoli for a few hours next week following a meeting between the parents and social services. While this is viewed as a positive step, lawyer Simone Pillon stated that the legal team intends to appeal the court's decision. The defense argues that the L'Aquila Juvenile Court's ruling is “too cautious” and fails to protect the parents' constitutional rights regarding educational freedom and the children's health. The family continues to seek a full and permanent return of the three children, who are currently expected to remain in a facility in Vasto.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Children of the ‘famiglia nel bosco’ to return home briefly

Children of the ‘famiglia nel bosco’ will return to their home for a few hours next week as part of a gradual reunification process ordered by an Italian court.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/family-in-the-woods-parents-to-meet-new-social-worker-for-child-reunification

### 2026-09-08: Social worker under investigation in Italian ‘family in the woods’ case

The Abruzzo Social Workers Order is investigating social worker Veruska D'Angelo for alleged ethical violations regarding the ‘family in the woods’ case in Palmoli, Italy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/social-worker-under-investigation-in-italian-family-in-the-woods-case

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Cite as: Italian child welfare case in Palmoli. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-child-welfare-case-in-palmoli