The Trevallion Family: Defense Moves to Disqualify Psychologist from Tests

The Italian justice system faces a crucial decision in the high-profile case of the British-Australian Trevallion family. Lawyers representing the parents have filed a formal motion to disqualify clinical psychologist Valentina Garrapetta from her role as a court-appointed technical consultant. The psychologist was previously appointed by the court in L'Aquila to conduct tests and assess the parenting capacity of the Trevallions, whose children were taken away after years of living in a forest in Abruzzo.

The institution of an independent court-appointed expert in Italian law, similar to Polish law, is based on principles of impartiality and neutrality. The expert is obligated to present opinions solely based on evidence, without prejudice towards the parties involved. Violation of this principle constitutes a serious ground for disqualifying an expert from a case. The basis for the defense's motion is Garrapetta's activity on social media. According to disclosed materials, the psychologist published at least five posts that directly or indirectly referred to the case. One of them, from February 23, contained the phrase „Comportamento grave, manca imparzialità” (serious behavior, lack of impartiality). Other posts explicitly mentioned the „family from the forest” and the „Trevallions”. The defense argues that such public comments, especially those of a critical nature, demonstrate bias and a lack of objectivity essential for a court-appointed expert. Garrapetta defends herself, claiming her comments concerned general ethical issues of the forensic psychology profession, not the specific case. In her view, she was expressing concern about professional standards.

The matter has already been taken up by the Italian Data Protection Authority, which has begun reviewing her accounts for potential privacy violations and breaches of professional ethics. This body is examining whether public commentary on ongoing court cases by a person appointed as an expert violates existing regulations. The decision of the court in L'Aquila, which is considering the disqualification motion, will be crucial for the further proceedings. „Oggi sarà il compleanno più brutto della mia vita” (Today will be the worst birthday of my life) — Nathan Trevallion – said the family's father, Nathan Trevallion, in a conversation with the media, emphasizing the pain of separation from his children on his daughter's birthday. If the psychologist is removed, a new expert will need to be appointed, which will significantly delay the decision-making process regarding the children's future. If the court rejects the motion, the defense may challenge the credibility of her final opinion, which will also prolong the dispute. The Trevallion case, which has been shaking public opinion for months, once again highlights the delicate line between an expert's freedom of speech and their duty to maintain absolute impartiality.