L’Aquila, 5 Sept. (LaPresse) – “The whole affair is characterised by a surprising underestimation of the pain and the devastating consequences, first and foremost for the children and then for the parents.” This was stated to LaPresse by the consultant acting on behalf of the so-called ‘Forest Family’, psychiatrist Tonino Cantelmi, told LaPresse, referring to the order issued a few days ago by the Juvenile Court of L’Aquila, which mandated a gradual reunification of Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham’s three children, starting on 10 November in a foster home in Vasto (Chieti), as the parents’ parental responsibility has been suspended. However, the order does not set a date for the children’s permanent return home. The process outlined by the judges requires compliance with various conditions, including the children’s enrolment in state schools. The twins are expected to attend Year 2, whilst their eldest daughter is expected to attend Year 4. “In recent days, following a decree which – albeit for an indefinite period – nevertheless points the way back home, we have witnessed a renewed criminalisation of Catherine: she has been described as a disturbed and dangerous person. – added Cantelmi – This narrative is incredibly false; it undermines this mother’s dignity. Furthermore, this prolonged delay, depriving the children of what every child needs most – namely, the love of their parents – affects us deeply and causes us great pain. No education, no snacks, no TV, no apparent adjustment can replace a parent’s love, which comes before anything else. “In this case, decades of research on secure attachment have been swept aside.” The reunification will therefore be slow and gradual and, amongst the conditions imposed, the Court stipulates that the children must be enrolled in state school to receive the education that was previously guaranteed at home through the ‘home-schooling’ system. This condition is contested by the parents, represented by lawyer Simone Pillon.
The ‘Forest Family’, psychiatrist Cantelmi: “Pain and consequences underestimated”
L’Aquila, 5 Sept. (LaPresse) – “The whole affair is characterised by a surprising underestimation of the pain and the devastating consequences, first and foremost for the children and then for the parents.” This was stated to LaPresse by the consultant acting on behalf of the so-called ‘Forest Family’, psychiatrist Tonino Cantelmi, told LaPresse, referring to the order issued a few days ago by the Juvenile Court of L’Aquila, which mandated a gradual reunification of Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham’s three children, starting on 10 November in a foster home in Vasto (Chieti), as the parents’ parental responsibility has been suspended. However, the order does not set a date for the children’s permanent return home. The process outlined by the judges requires compliance with various conditions, including the children’s enrolment in state schools. The twins are expected to attend Year 2, whilst their eldest daughter is expected to attend Year 4. “In recent days, following a decree which – albeit for an indefinite period – nevertheless points the way back home, we have witnessed a renewed criminalisation of Catherine: she has been described as a disturbed and dangerous person. – added Cantelmi – This narrative is incredibly false; it undermines this mother’s dignity. Furthermore, this prolonged delay, depriving the children of what every child needs most – namely, the love of their parents – affects us deeply and causes us great pain. No education, no snacks, no TV, no apparent adjustment can replace a parent’s love, which comes before anything else. “In this case, decades of research on secure attachment have been swept aside.” The reunification will therefore be slow and gradual and, amongst the conditions imposed, the Court stipulates that the children must be enrolled in state school to receive the education that was previously guaranteed at home through the ‘home-schooling’ system. This condition is contested by the parents, represented by lawyer Simone Pillon.