In L'Aquila and Vasto, Italy, court proceedings continue in the high-profile case of the so-called 'forest family.' In recent days, psychological evaluation sessions have been conducted with the parents, Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallion, and blood tests for the three children have been scheduled. The family's lawyer accuses institutions of abuse, while child care home staff complain of threats and insults. The children are struggling with trauma following their separation.

Psychological evaluations of the parents

Catherine and Nathan participated in further, two-hour sessions of court-ordered psychological evaluations. Lawyer Danila Solinas describes the mother as "deeply broken" and criticizes the media frenzy.

Scheduled examinations for the children

The court ordered blood tests for the three children at the hospital in Vasto. This was one of the key, "critical" elements that contributed to the decision to place them in a children's home.

Mutual accusations from the parties

The family's lawyer accuses institutions of "abusing" her clients. In turn, caregivers from the facility speak of being "targeted", receiving threats, and offensive comments online.

Legal situation of the family

The parents, being foreigners, cannot leave Italy without regaining custody of their children. Since November 20, the children have been staying with their mother in a children's home, which, according to psychiatric experts, is causing them uprooting trauma.

The family court in L'Aquila, Italy, continues its comprehensive assessment of the situation of the so-called forest family. On Wednesday, February 21, the parents, Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallion, participated in another long session of psychological evaluations conducted by a court-appointed psychiatric expert. Their lawyer, Danila Solinas, emphasized her client's exhaustion, calling her a "deeply broken woman" and complaining about the ongoing "media frenzy".

The case of the family living in a forest in Abruzzo came to light at the end of 2025, sparking major social and media controversy across Italy. The decision to place the children in a care facility was based on an assessment of their living conditions and health status. Procedures concerning the children are proceeding in parallel. Blood tests for them are scheduled for Thursday at the hospital in Vasto, which – as previously indicated in court documents – are a key diagnostic element. Since November 20 of last year, the three children have been staying with their mother in a children's home, which, according to psychiatric experts, is causing them "uprooting trauma".

The conflict extends beyond the courtroom. „The family is "being abused by those who are supposed to help them"” — Danila Solinas, the lawyer stated. On the other hand, representatives of the care facility complain about aggression directed at them. „People are bitter. They insult us on the street, threaten us on social media, the comments are awful” — Caregivers from the children's home, they reported. The case has divided public opinion, and the court procedure is moving towards a final decision on the children's future and the possibility of returning to their parents.

Mentioned People

  • Catherine Birmingham — Mother of the three children in the 'forest family' case, a British citizen.
  • Nathan Trevallion — Father of the children in the 'forest family' case.
  • Danila Solinas — Lawyer representing the parents (Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallion) in the court proceedings.
  • Simona Ceccoli — Psychiatrist, court-appointed expert (Ctu) conducting the psychological evaluations of the parents.