A nine-year-old boy and his seven-year-old sister have been found living hidden away on a remote farm still wearing nappies and only able to speak in their own primitive language,
When emergency personnel evacuated a rundown building near Lauriano, just outside Turin, they reportedly found the brothers and sisters living in what was described as 'squalid' conditions.
Italy
in the face of potential flood dangers
during the risk of rising waters
as concerns over possible floods grow
while under the danger of inundation
with fears of flash floods looming overhead
Their parents did not officially register them with any authorities. health Officials or schools have been described as having "ghost children," according to local media reports, referring to kids whose lives remain isolated from society at large.
According to local news outlets, their father—a 54-year-old sculptor—and their 38-year-old mother are both citizens of the Netherlands.
Local media reported that their father said he was educating the two at home, even though both were unable to read or write.
Expressing concerns over infections such as COVID-19, he said to the Italian publication Corriere Torino: 'My children mean everything to me—I simply wished to keep them safe.'
The man insisted the children had access to laptops, musical instruments, and even went skiing and horse riding – but authorities quickly realised the children could neither read nor write.
The two minors were promptly placed under protective custody after the Turin Youth Tribunal issued an urgent court directive.
The court stated in its decision: "Certain evidence indicates that the children lack sufficient support from their parents or guardians, who have an obligation to provide such care."
Arrangements are made for the children to be taken into foster care.
Local mayor Mara Baccolla said: ‘It is a very delicate matter. These children can finally find a balance and have access to a life worthy of the name.’
She described the father as appearing ‘very reserved’ and unable to speak Italian.
Neighbors expressed surprise upon learning about the children's presence. Although some had observed changes in ownership of the farmhouse, no one reported having seen or heard any young ones living there.
Were taken aback—although a few people had realized the farmhouse was sold, nobody saw or heard anything indicating kids lived there.
The possibility of additional measures being taken against the parents remains uncertain.
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